Universal masking in hospitals in the COVID-19 era: Is it time to consider shielding?
Open Access
- 29 April 2020
- journal article
- editorial
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology
- Vol. 41 (9), 1066-1067
- https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.179
Abstract
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.Keywords
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