January 25, 2022
In response to the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants, the following changes to resident face covering procedures are required.
All residents shall be provided a minimum of two (2) disposable procedure masks per week to replace the cloth PIA masks previously distributed.
Effective January 24, 2022, all residents shall be offered one (1) unaltered KN-95 respirator per week, which they can choose to wear for enhanced protection. The KN-95 respirator or procedure mask are preferred, rather than the cloth face covering.
Residents who have work assignments in isolation or quarantine areas must be FIT tested and wear N-95 in those settings and shall be provided N-95 replacements at the beginning of each work shift and as often as needed or requested.
Wardens and CEOs shall work together to develop the optimal distribution process for the procedure masks and KN-95. The distribution process shall include the ability for residents to receive replacement masks prior to the next distribution interval if their supply is lost, stolen, damaged or soiled.
We will periodically review this guidance and modify it as necessary based upon the status of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
If you have any question or concerns regarding this directive or if there are housing differences please elevate them to your respective Associate Director or Regional Health Care Executive.