Mass Senior Care would like to remind nursing facilities that the use of face masks for source control is still required by the DPH regulation. The updates to the DPH Guidance for Caring for Residents during the COVID-19 Response includes the following:
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Long-term care facilities should ensure all staff are using appropriate PPE when they are interacting with residents and in alignment with DPH and CDC guidance. All long-term care facility personnel should wear a facemask while they are in the facility.
In addition, the most recent update to the Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance also did not eliminate the universal use of facemasks. The guidance states:
Universal Use of Facemasks
DPH has adopted a universal facemask use policy for all HCP. All HCP should don a facemask upon entry to the healthcare facility premises. Facemasks are defined as surgical or procedure masks worn to protect the mouth/nose against infectious materials. are caring for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases.