A sterile wound covering typically made of cross-linked polymer gels in sheet form or an amorphous hydrating gel of various formulations, and that includes an antimicrobial agent, intended to promote wound healing (e.g., by maintaining a moist wound environment); it may also facilitate wound debridement and/or absorb exudates in wounds that are minimally to moderately exudative. It may combine hydrogel with supplemental dressing materials (e.g., alginate, chitosan, film backing), require the use of a secondary dressing, and/or provide a barrier impermeable to liquids and gases. After application, this device cannot be reused.