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Rise of COVID-19 cases may see return of mask wearing

July 1, 2022

As you may be aware, there has been a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases within our community and we are seeing an increasing number of people testing positive in our hospitals.

For now we are keeping our current IPC guidance in place, but we will review this regularly based on the number of cases, outbreaks and staff absences with the virus.

This does mean that we may need to return to mask wearing for colleagues working within clinical areas to keep everyone safe.

If it is decided to take this course of action, we will alert all colleagues.

But in the meantime, please follow our current IPC guidance and remain vigilant. Colleagues are reminded that they can choose to wear fluid-repellent surgical masks (FRSMs) in all areas if they choose.

Below is a reminder of situations when masks are required:

  • Masks still to be accessible for those who choose to wear them or when mask wearing is in-line with an individual risk assessment.
  • Masks should be worn when caring for a COVID-19 confirmed or suspected positive patient alongside PPE appropriate to the task being undertaken. This includes within the side room where there is a COVID-19 positive patient (not within the rest of the ward if patients have not tested positive for COVID-19) and within a red ward.
  • Respiratory care pathways/wards (including wards with outbreaks of respiratory infection).
  • Areas where there are untriaged patients whose COVID-19 status is unknown such as A&E, Urgent Treatment Centre and primary care (GP practices).
  • Haem-oncology wards such as SCAT, D12, Medical Infusion Suite.
  • Renal wards.
  • When undertaking an Aerosol Generating Procedure (AGP) and patient is of unknown status or COVID positive then a FFP3 fit tested mask should be worn.
  • Where there are outbreaks of COVID-19 or respiratory outbreaks such as flu.
  • Ensure appropriate mask/PPE selection in line with the task that is being undertaken or as required to support transmission-based precautions.

Masks no longer need to be worn in the following areas, unless it is the staff member’s preference or requested to do so by a patient or staff member:

  • Clinical areas apart from those listed above.
  • Non-patient facing areas such as laboratories, education centres and offices.
  • Corridors and other public areas.
  • Outpatients.

Wearing of masks – patients:

  • Patients with no respiratory symptoms including in outpatient clinics and waiting areas are no longer required to wear a surgical mask.
  • Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients should be offered a mask if clinically able to tolerate on admission and on transfer to other clinical areas.