Universal masking in hospitals in the COVID-19 era: Is it time to consider shielding?
Sonali D. Advani, Becky Smith, Sarah S. Lewis, Deverick J. Anderson, Daniel J. Sexton
Abstract
With concerns for presymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 and increasing burden of contact tracing and employee furloughs, several hospitals have supplemented pre-existing infection prevention measures with universal masking of all personnel in hospitals. Other hospitals are currently faced with the dilemma of whether or not to proceed with universal masking in a time of critical mask shortages. We summarize the rationale behind a universal masking policy in healthcare settings, important considerations before implementing such a policy and the challenges with universal masking. We also discusses proposed solutions such as universal face shields.
Topics & Concepts
Masking (illustration)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Economic shortageFace shieldDilemma2019-20 coronavirus outbreakContact tracingSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Universal designUniversal precautionsTransmission (telecommunications)Computer scienceMedicineFace (sociological concept)Health careRisk analysis (engineering)VirologyPolitical scienceTelecommunicationsHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)MathematicsSociologyGovernment (linguistics)PathologySocial scienceVisual artsLawPhilosophyWorld Wide WebOutbreakLinguisticsArtInfectious disease (medical specialty)GeometryDiseaseInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsPressure Ulcer Prevention and Management