Mask wearing remains essential for staff safety
As COVID-19 restrictions ease and interactions with patients, visitors and staff increase, it is essential that all Penn State Health employees continue to wear masks while on duty, even in non-clinical locations.
On June 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reiterated the critical importance of social distancing whenever possible, hand-washing and wearing a face covering over the mouth and nose as key defenses against the continued transmission of COVID-19. Wearing masks is especially important as research has shown that people become infectious with COVID-19 before they start exhibiting symptoms or feeling ill.
This week, managers across the Penn State Health system are distributing Level 1 masks and face shields to their staff each week. While these masks for use in non-clinical settings do not have the same filtration quality as N95 masks, they do protect wearers who may not know they have COVID-19 from spreading droplets to others. They may also provide additional protection if the wearer comes in close contact with an individual who unknowingly has the coronavirus.
Cloth masks are also available for staff working in areas that have no patient contact at all. The N95 respirators should only be used by employees who are performing aerosol-generating procedures on patients suspected or known to have COVID-19, and by those in the room during and shortly after this time.
Because of a shortage of supplies, Level 1 masks should be conserved. Employees are expected to use their masks for seven days, storing them in a paper bag between uses. Cloth masks should be laundered with detergent and hot water after each day of use. Additionally, any masks that are contaminated with respiratory or nasal secretions or become damaged or wet should be replaced by a clean, dry mask.
- See details on Masks for Patients and Visitors.
- Learn more about the COVID-19 Cloth Mask Guidelines.
Staff who use N95 masks should store them in a brown paper bag for five days and then reuse them per the policy.
- Learn more about the Safe Re-use of N95 Masks.
Although masks are required for all staff, students, patients and family/support persons, some may be uncomfortable wearing them or not wear them properly. Staff members who see this should politely remind individuals that wearing masks helps keep our facilities safer for everyone.
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