Universal masking in hospitals in the COVID-19 era: Is it time to consider shielding?

Published

Journal Article

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.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Advani, SD; Smith, BA; Lewis, SS; Anderson, DJ; Sexton, DJ

Published Date

  • September 2020

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 41 / 9

Start / End Page

  • 1066 - 1067

PubMed ID

  • 32345392

Pubmed Central ID

  • 32345392

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1559-6834

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0899-823X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1017/ice.2020.179

Language

  • eng