All articles tagged with #mask guidelines
UPMC will no longer require masks inside its facilities, making them optional in patient-accessible areas due to decreased risk of COVID-19, flu, and RSV transmission, but still encouraged. The organization will reinstate requirements if virus transmission increases, and unvaccinated staff will be required to wear masks through the flu season.
The CDC's proposed updated guidelines for infection control in healthcare settings, which may be adopted by hospitals, have raised concerns among experts. The guidelines make little mention of aerosol transmission of viruses and suggest there is no difference in protection between N95 respirators and surgical masks, contrary to scientific evidence. The studies cited as supporting evidence have flaws, including recall bias and small sample sizes. The lack of focus on ventilation and worker safety, as well as the potential conflict with OSHA standards, has raised alarm among experts who believe the guidelines prioritize cost-cutting over protecting frontline workers. The lack of transparency and stakeholder input in the guideline development process has also been criticized.
Many health systems in Michigan have announced changes to mask guidelines, making mask wearing optional due to the decrease in the number of COVID-19 inpatients and various ways to combat the virus. Health facilities will continue to provide free masks and hand sanitizer, and patients can ask for health staff to wear masks. The masking guidelines may change in the future if the state experiences an increase in COVID-19 or other virus cases.