Although Utah’s statewide mask mandate will expire on April 10, mask guidelines for both caregivers and patients won’t be changing. In a year unlike any we’ve ever experienced, caregivers have been extraordinary in keeping each other and our patients safe by following PPE guidelines, and we need to continue to do so.
- Caregivers working in patient-facing areas or with visitors should continue to follow PPE guidelines and wear a procedure mask and eye protection.
- Caregivers in non-patient-facing areas should continue to wear cloth face coverings.
- Patients and visitors should continue to wear cloth face coverings. Masking will continue to be required within all Intermountain facilities.
Why is Intermountain continuing to require masks for caregivers and patients? “Our guidelines have worked and it’s important to continue our focus on patient and caregiver safety,” says Kristin Dascomb, MD, Intermountain’s medical director of infectious diseases.
Other reasons why we aren’t changing masking guidelines for patient and caregivers right now:
- Our caregivers aren’t universally vaccinated. While some facilities have nearly 67% of caregivers vaccinated, others are only at 30 to 40%.
- The risk of transmission of COVID-19 variants remains a concern, especially with movement between counties and states.
When you’re around coworkers, remember to leave your masks or cloth face coverings on. Masks and face coverings are most effective when used in combination with physical distancing and frequent hand hygiene.
As the rate of caregiver vaccinations increases and daily COVID-19 case counts decrease, Infection Prevention, Employee Health, and other clinical leaders are continually assessing how to keep caregivers and patients safe. Any changes to masking and other safety guidelines will be communicated through the Caregiver Daily Brief.