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08/08/21 bs Masking Requirements
August 11, 2021

From: "Berkley Sykes" <berkley.sykes@hhsys.org>
To: "Pharmacy Department" <grp_pharmacy@hhsys.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 8, 2021 3:33:18 PM
Subject: masking requirements

Many of you have been through this before, but this may be new information for others. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me or your manager/supervisor.

In an effort to keep you safe, and keep us all available to care for our patients, please read the information below for hospital guidance. 

The Delta variant is highly contagious and there are many people out in the community and some in our hospital that are not vaccinated. Currently the hospital is experiencing clusters of outbreaks that are being attributed to crowding in breakrooms. Groups of PUI or positive employees puts a strain on staffing and caring for patients, so please continue to keep your distance (especially when eating and not wearing a mask), wear your mask, and use common sense when out in public or attending events. 

Universal Masking Is Still Required Hospital Wide. Cross check each other and if you see someone out of compliance, remind them to wear their mask. 

In the community, there is currently not state issued mandates. However, the CDC recommends everyone wear a mask when indoors in public, even if you are vaccinated. 

In our hospital, Jeff Samz has issued a very simple guide to masking requirements:

So when should you wear a mask??

• Anytime you are in a public area of the hospital.  
• Anytime you are in a clinical area of the hospital.
• As soon as you enter the building.
• Anytime you cannot maintain social distance from your co-workers, including in administrative areas, lounges, offices, and break rooms.  
• This means you should maintain social distance when you have lunch because you cannot eat with a mask on.
• This also means that staff working in non-clinical areas and off campus buildings (the Plaza, the Cochran Center, etc) must maintain social distance or wear a face covering. 
• If you are indoors and near another person, you should be wearing a face covering.

Masks with Outflow Valve, per Jeff Samz:

These masks have a one way valve in them that make it easier for the wearer to exhale while still protecting the wearer by filtering inhalation.  The concern raised by these masks is that the exhaled air is not filtered and reduces the protection the mask offers to those around the wearer.

If you choose to wear one of these masks, it should be covered by a procedural mask anytime you are providing patient care, anytime you are with a visitor or caregiver, and anytime you are in close proximity to your co-workers.  We understand that these masks – particularly those that provide N95 filtration – can be more comfortable to wear, but they must be covered for everyone’s protection.   If using one, please take this additional step to protect your patients and co-workers.

Working in healthcare is more important than ever and I thank you for continuing to show up, work hard, and take care of business for our patients.