Archive for the “Face masks” category
How will I know that an area is Covid-secure?
There will be signage on the entrance.
Read more [Continue reading] How will I know that an area is Covid-secure?
We undertake exercise with service users – I can’t wear a mask during this due to breathing. Can we go without the mask if social distancing during exercise?
Staff should only exercise with service users if this is done outside and social distancing can be maintained. If guidance on the use of gyms and sports halls changes, we will review our guidance.
What is the guidance for children accompanying parents attending outpatient clinics?
Children under 11 years are not required to wear face coverings.
Do staff need to wear masks on reception areas or in the patient’s bank if they are behind a screen and socially distanced?
No, if office is accredited Covid-secure following risk assessment. Masks should be worn if there is more than 1 staff member present and they regularly break social distancing. However where only 1 staff member is present, a mask is not required.
Pharmacy staff visit reception areas across the whole of the Fieldhead site, do we need a new mask for each building or can we use the same one for those visits?
Masks should be changed on entering each new building. This is not necessary if dropping something off or picking something up from reception.
I work in a team based in a police station; do the same rules apply around wearing masks?
Follow the recommendations of the host organisation as long as it’s the same or above Trust guidance.
With people from BAME backgrounds being more likely to develop severe coronavirus symptoms, will BAME staff be given FFP3 masks in the community?
Surgical masks protect just as much as the FFP3 mask in terms of droplet production that you encounter through a conversation. The only reason an FFP3 mask is needed is for aerosol generating procedures to protect against the finer mist.
Will the Trust be providing visors for community teams when we visit violent/aggressive patients for Mental Health Act assessments?
We provide visors for community staff in these situations. We are also looking at using goggles.
How long does fluid resistance last in a mask?
Follow the supplier’s advice which is usually a full clinical shift however if it becomes damp or uncomfortable it needs to be changed. We don’t expect anyone to keep the same mask on for 12 hours as people will need to take comfort breaks which …
Read more [Continue reading] How long does fluid resistance last in a mask?
Visitors and carers coming into our buildings are asked to wear face covering/masks, should these be surgical masks?
The guidance says that face coverings should be worn to protect other people from infection and prevent pre-infection spread. Wearing something is better than nothing.