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Clinical Research to Follow NEW General Masking Guidelines

Sep 3, 2021, 16:13 PM by Melodi Moore

General Masking Guidelines:

Medical grade face masks are required for all individuals age 2 and older in all UTMB facilities.

Staff Guidelines:

  1. Level 1 masks of the Halyard brand (Item # 47080, 47117; yellow and very light blue; Texture: 3 thin layers paper-like material):
      • To be used ONLY when Grade 2 or KN95 masks are not available for source control, standard precautions, and droplet precautions only.
      • Must double mask at all clinical locations
        • Clinical locations include all departments at inpatient and outpatient facilities where patients are seen or/and cared for.
        • All staff in clinical locations include clinical and non-clinical staff.
      • Do NOT use for patient care activities with confirmed or suspected COVID patients.
    1. Level 2 masks ( BYD, Cardinal, or Halyard #62115; color blue; Texture thick 3 layers) and/or KN95:
  • Use one mask for source control, standard precautions, and droplet precautions.
  • Do NOT use for patient care activities with confirmed or suspected COVID patients.
  • During a shortage of the Grade 2 and KN95 masks the following areas will be prioritized with allocations:
  • COVID/PUI inpatient units
  • Emergency departments
  • Urgent care clinics
  • COVID Clinics
  • COVID infusion clinics

3.    Note: COVID-19 Isolation precautions require the use of N95 Respirator Masks for all patient care activities. Do not use facemasks for COVID-19 isolation precautions.

 

    Patients and visitor masking:

    1. Medical grade face masks are required for all individuals age 2 and older in all UTMB facilities.
    2. Cloth masks, Neck gaiters, bandanas, masks with exhalation valves, clear shield-like face masks, face shield without mask are not permitted to be worn as face covering at this time. 
    3. Use Level 1 or Level 2 masks, whichever is available.
      • Level 1 masks of the Halyard brand (Item # 47080, 47117; yellow and very light blue; Texture: 3 thin layers paper like material):
        • Use one mask for source control at all areas.
        • Level 2 masks ( BYD, Cardinal, or Halyard #62115; color blue; Texture thick 3 layers:
          • Use one mask for source control at all areas.