Shared on behalf of Jennifer Wintermans, EVP, Communications & Corporate Relations, COVID-19 Lead
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health has given recommendations on both masking and wearing eye protection for all staff and visitors. However, the protective level when masking and eye protection is required has been left up to facilities to determine.
Please note the following masking and goggle (eye protection) guidelines for each Response level:
Response Level Red: Continue current practice of level 3 procedure masks for all staff and visitors at all times unless eating in a designated area, and staff are to wear goggles at all times unless alone in an office. Staff in high-risk areas (hot zones) are to wear N95 masks and goggles at all times unless off the unit, then must wear a level 3 procedure mask and goggles unless in a designated eating area or alone in an office.
Response Level Orange: All visitors are required to wear a level 3 procedure mask at all times unless in a designated eating area. Staff are to wear a level 3 procedure mask and goggles in all areas of the Hospital, at all times unless alone in an office or in a designated eating area. All staff are to complete a point of care risk assessment and wear a N95 mask as required. Staff are also to wear an N95 mask for Air Generated Medical Procedures (AGMPs) and as indicated for additional precautions, as per infection control guidelines.
Response Level Yellow: All visitors must wear a level 3 procedure mask at all times unless in a designated eating area. Staff are to wear a level 3 procedure mask at all times unless alone in an office, in a designated eating area or in a meeting room if a two-meter distance can be maintained. Goggles are to be worn in all patient care areas, or when providing direct patient care and when unable to maintain a two-meter distance. All staff are to complete a point of care risk assessment and wear a N95 mask as required. Staff are also to wear an N95 mask for AGMPs and as indicated for additional precautions, as per infection control guidelines.
Response Level Green: Masks are not required for visitors who pass COVID-19 screening. Staff are not required to wear masks or goggles. All staff are to complete a point of care risk assessment and wear a N95 mask and eye protection if they feel it is required. Staff are also to wear an N95 mask for AGMPs as per infection control guidelines.
Please note that the above may change at any time prior to moving into a different response level and will be communicated.
All Hospital COVID-19 updates, resources and memos are available on the iNtranet at https://comms.tbrhsc.net/covid-19-information/.