Universal masking in hospitals in the COVID-19 era: Is it time to consider shielding?
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
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1017/ice.2020.179
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States