Synchronizing our messaging on masking

With the escalation of community and hospital incidence of COVID-19 cases, there is an urgent concern that masking of patients, visitors and staff is not consistent. As our obligation is to protect patients, it is our responsibility to follow and help others understand and comply with masking policies.

We must all understand and be aligned on the following whenever we’re communicating with each other and our patients:

• Masks must be worn at all times when a staff member is on shift in patient care units.
• Patients should be masked any time staff are in proximity of the patient (in the room, during transport, etc.), as long as medical care and condition allow.
• Visitors must wear masks at all times while in the building, including in patient rooms.
• If there are concerns about masking, provide education and escalate concerns through the chain of command to leadership if necessary.

Leaders should round daily in their units, observe masking compliance, provide education and share key talking points with their teams.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns or trends you notice that may need additional consideration, discussion or clarification.

Thank you for your continued diligence and daily work to assure the safety of your staff and our patients. Additional communications around masking will be released in the coming weeks.

Mask policy references

• Entrance Screen and Visitation Procedure
• Universal Masking
• RELATE Scripting for Wearing Masks