MASKS etc

[Anonymous]

Thanks Elizabeth

General mask wearing only indicated in those locations where public health have acknowledged/detected significant community transmission

ICEG have a new statement just come out concerning this.
Also ACSQHC have just published this general advice on masks- see below

From K Stewart
Following review of the latest evidence regarding the use of face masks by members of the public, particularly in areas where community transmission of COVID-19 is high, the AHPPC Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) has issued a statement regarding wearing masks in the community.

The ICEG statement recommends that people in a region where community transmission is occurring should cover their faces with a mask in circumstances where physical distancing is difficult to maintain, e.g. in public transport. For people at increased risk of severe COVID-19 because of older age or chronic illness, the Statement also advises that wearing a mask is an important protective measure if physical distancing is difficulty to maintain.

The Commission’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Unit has developed a fact sheet for consumers on the use of face masks within the community. The fact sheet provides information on practical considerations when deciding whether to use a face mask, and guidance on how to safely put on and take off a face mask.

The fact sheet can be found at: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/covid-19-and-face-masks-information-consumers on the Commission’s COVID-19 web page

Regards
Kim

Kim Stewart
Director, AURA, Infection Prevention and Control and Healthcare-Associated Infections
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
GPO Box 5480 Sydney NSW 2001 | Level 5, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T (02) 9126 3660 | http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au

Thanks John. We don’t require our staff to wear a mask in all clinical areas for the entire shift- only when they are actually caring for someone who is covid-19 positive.

Can I ask – is anyone else in aged care requiring staff to wear masks all shift?

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

Their 9/7/2020 scientific brief is a good read in full . I’m reassured that we are on the right track.

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions

Airborne transmission of the virus can occur in health care settings where specific medical procedures, called aerosol generating procedures, generate very small droplets called aerosols. Some outbreak reports related to indoor crowded spaces have suggested the possibility of aerosol transmission, combined with droplet transmission, for example, during choir practice, in restaurants or in fitness classes.

Prevention summary:
* Identify suspect cases as quickly as possible, test, and isolate all cases (infected people) in appropriate facilities;
* Identify and quarantine all close contacts of infected people and test those who develop symptoms so that they can be isolated if they are infected and require care;
* Use fabric masks in specific situations, for example, in public places where there is community transmission and where other prevention measures, such as physical distancing, are not possible;
* Use of contact and droplet precautions by health workers caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients, and use of airborne precautions when aerosol generating procedures are performed;
* Continuous use of a medical mask by health workers and caregivers working in all clinical areas, during all routine activities throughout the entire shift;
* At all times, practice frequent hand hygiene, physical distancing from others when possible, and respiratory etiquette; avoid crowded places, close-contact settings and confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation; wear fabric masks when in closed, overcrowded spaces to protect others; and ensure good environmental ventilation in all closed settings and appropriate environmental cleaning and disinfection.

The 29/6/2020 WHO update is also relevant

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance-publications

John Ferguson
Infectious Diseases Physician, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Hunter New England Health, Microbiologist, Pathology North, NSW
Conjoint Associate Professor, University of Newcastle
T: 61 2 49214444, F: 61 2 49214440, M: +61 (0)428 885573 @mdjkf idmic.net, aimed.net.au
________________________________

Hi Elizabeth

Anyone interested in the ‘droplet vs airborne’ debate about SARS-CoV-2 transmission should read this blog: https://haicontroversies.blogspot.com/2020/07/a-tiresome-spat.html?spreftw&m1&fbclidIwAR38FYt_TVruTnDugyPy_sjlGumOGWdii3aSWsbQ1lhFvX9jfsTMvdy4SNc

Cheers
Michael

Michael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.au

[cid:image001.jpg@01D46C86.4CDB6090]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]

Hello all I’m following the recent developments re-the letter to the world health organisation flagging that COVID-19 may be transmitted by the airborne route. Is anyone else watching this and if so what do you think the implications will be for ICP if COVID-19 does turn out to be airborne as well as droplet and contact? What if anything are you doing to prepare for this possibility? I work in residential and community aged care so would particularly be interested in your feedback if you are also involved in these fields. Thanks very much in advance.

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

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