The CDC recently shared additional guidance around masking. Although Intermountain isn’t changing our current PPE guidelines, there are some new things to keep in mind from the CDC’s new guidelines.
Ensure your mask fits well. How your mask fits is more important than the number of masks you’re wearing. The CDC found that with improved fit, aerosols were less likely to escape or enter a mask. This finding came from testing a procedure mask under a cloth face covering, tying ear loops of a procedure mask, and placing a nylon gaiter over a procedure mask. The extra mask wasn’t the benefit—the enhanced fit with minimized gaps in the sides and a fitted nose piece made the difference in protection. Other things we’ve learned from the CDC’s recent announcement:
- Medical-grade procedure masks are effective. Healthcare workers wearing medical grade masks, such as procedure masks and N95s, rarely transmit COVID-19 to patients, even when actively infected.
- Cloth masks aren’t for clinical spaces. Cloth masks are great for being in the community, but in clinical spaces, given the work we do and exposure to various infectious organisms, they could easily become contaminated with bacteria or viruses.
- Cloth masks may be worn on top of procedure masks in non-clinical spaces to improve fit. A cloth mask should be changed if wet or soiled. Remember to wash your hands before and after adjusting your mask to prevent contamination.
- Nylon gaiters over a procedure mask are great for the outdoors but not in clinical areas. While effective in the CDC studies, gaiters aren’t recommended in Intermountain workspaces. They’re useful for outdoor activities such as hiking when passing others on narrow trails.
- Both individuals in a space need to be masked. It doesn’t change your risk if you’re wearing two masks versus one when the other person is without a mask. The best benefit is gained when both people are masked. Educate your patients on donning a mask every time a caregiver enters the room, and support by helping them remember or helping them put it on safely.
- With vaccination, healthcare worker infections are dropping. The Utah Department of Health has noted a reduction in caregiver infections by 27 percent since vaccinations started.
Wearing a well-fitting mask offers the best protection. If the ear loops pull on your ears or if it hurts, it can cause cuts into skin. Talk to Employee Health for support on the fit.