Pandemic fatigue can lead to safety complacency. Time for a reset.

Penn State Health has demonstrated its strong commitment to caring for patients and community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our collective response has been a source of great pride. Following the surge, we began our work to resume the in-person patient care services that had been paused. Each day, we reassure our patients they will be safe when they come to a Penn State Health hospital or clinic for care.

Employees are understandably exhausted physically and mentally. Unfortunately, while we are no longer in the eye of the storm, the threat from this virus is far from over. “Pandemic fatigue” –– a term coined by psychotherapist Hannah Smith –– can cause safety complacency. As Smith describes it, we let our guard down, get tired and irritable, experience higher stress levels and can feel out of control.

We know you care deeply about the serious work that you do, and understand the importance of keeping the most vulnerable safe from the virus. However lately, there has been an increase in employee complacency when it comes to masking –– such as wearing them less frequently or improperly.

Social media posts and observations made by our patients and visitors should remind us that when we don’t follow our masking safety practices, it sends unintended messages about the safety of our environment. Recent social posts touched off a public conversation that can impact community trust. It is essential for Penn State Health employees to set the right example.

A study published June 3 in the “Annals of Internal Medicine” provided a careful look at how many cases of COVID-19 can likely be traced to people who spread the virus without knowing they were infected –– a minimum of 30% and more likely 40% to 45%. Just as we’ve learned to protect people from secondhand smoke, masking is yet another step we need to take to avoid putting other people in danger.

Reaffirm our commitment to safety by adhering to the following:

• All patient-facing staff need to wear level one masks at all times, and the mask must cover both the nose and mouth at all times.
• Patient support persons and visitors must wear masks properly at all times.
• Employees who do not work directly with the public may wear cloth masks.
• Patients must wear a mask when they are outside of their room.
• Be mindful about your choices outside of work. Practice social distancing and masking. There have been increased reports of employee and faculty exposures from mealtime and other social activities.

Employees are asked to embrace the philosophy adopted by Jeremy Howard, research scientist at the University of San Francisco and founder of #Masks4All, “It’s reasonable, kind and respectful to take some actions to reduce the risk of hurting others.”

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