Update from Te Whatu Ora regarding mask use and how to keep up-to-date with changes.
HCW masking update
The HCW masking recommendations have been changed slightly. Live today. This is minimal guidance, so can be adapted for your own context.
Web page link ; Print version of guidance- Update on mask-wearing in healthcare settings: February – May 2023 (docx, 64KB)
In brief:
Clinical staff (nursing, medical, allied health staff)
- Providing care to patients with symptoms of acute respiratory virus infections (including suspected or confirmed COVID-19): mask use required. Follow transmission-based precautions (usually this will mean P2/N95 particulate respirator). Where practical to do so, streaming of patients according to risk of acute respiratory virus infection is recommended.
- Providing care to patients in other situations: medical mask recommended in other care situations.
- Note – in very low risk situations where use of mask may impact negatively on care delivery, clinical judgment may be used to remove masks but is recommended only after a risk assessment is performed by the clinician and agreed to by patient.
- Staff only zones and transit areas: medical mask use is encouraged, especially in situations where ventilation is not optimal.
Keeping up with COVID-19 Updates
See attached for 2 tools that will update you on updates from the Te Whatu Ora/ MOH. Pass it on, and sign up please!
COVID-19 Recognition Awards
Just checking you have all put your names down, and for team mates. The time has been extended until end of March.
Register for the award: https://covid-19responseaward.powerappsportals.com/.
See the criteria for the Organisation Award on the Te Whatu Ora website.
Contact C19RecognitionAwards@health.govt.nz to get help.
Thanks all. Please pass on as appropriate to IPC teams.
Ngā mihi
Carolyn Clissold
Chief Clinical Advisor, Outbreak Response
National Public Health Service
Mobile/waea pūkoro: 021 798 409 | īmēra: Carolyn.clissold@health.govt.nz
133 Molesworth Street, Wellington | PO Box 5013, Wellington 6140
PO Box 793, Wellington 6140
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand