Dear member / clinic owner,

Copied below, updated advice from the MoH on the order in which masks are fit tested.

With best wishes,

Kelvin Ward, David Gollogly, Jasmine Mackay, Richard Chen
Pandemic Response Subcommittee

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Kia ora koutou,

The purpose of this email is to update you on decisions we have made to ensure that general practices and urgent care clinics have a range of P2/N95 particulate respirators available to suit individual’s requirements. These will help you undertake activities as per the Interim Guidance for the use of N95/P2 particulate respirators in general practices and urgent care clinics (see Interim Guidance ).

The Ministry of Health’s PPE Central Supply holds a range of N95/P2 particulate respirators to meet the requirements of the health and disability workforce and other areas in response to COVID-19. We expect that most people will successfully fit the 3M 9320A+ Aura particulate respirator. We know however that some will require different masks that provide a better fit.

To manage the supply of masks that are available, we suggest you fit test in the below order. Following the sequential order below will mean we can systematically manage supply for the health and disability sector. A similar process has been followed successfully within our District Health Boards. Could you please prioritise fit testing in the below sequential order when it is determined that the 9320A+ provided does not fit.

Below is our suggested order of priority:


  1. 3M 9320A+ Aura
  2. Drager X-Plore 1720
  3. 3M 8210 P2
  4. 3M 1860s (small)
The above listed masks are available to order from the PPE Portal. If you have already submitted a fit testing declaration, you do not need to complete the declaration again. You will of course need to ensure fit testing is undertaken before these masks are utilised in healthcare settings.

If you have any questions about your PPE requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us at COVID.HealthSupplyChain@health.govt.nz

Thank you all for your efforts in response to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Health Supply Chain
COVID-19 Health System Response, Ministry of Health l www.moh.govt.nz