Your COVID-19 Questions & Answers
Response from Tom Belhorn
Q:
I
have heard mixed messages of if we will have to start wearing eye protection for all patient interactions. Is this true?
A:
System messaging for the new type of PPE termed Universal Pandemic Precautions (UPP) will be presented on Monday, June 1. Further details will be provided at that time, but the change (basically surgical mask plus specified eye protection) will provide a level of protection to prevent HCP exposures at all times regardless of the patient’s (or parent’s) probability of having COVID-19 or their ability to continuously wear a mask.
The official message will state a mask must be used when the patient is not wearing a mask and you are within 6 feet of the patient. In pediatrics, however, it is often the case that the child is too young to wear a mask (<2yo), won’t reliably keep the mask on, the mask needs to be removed during the exam, or the parent will not keep the mask on for the entire visit.
Therefore, it will be recommended that all staff interacting with patients wear the eye-protection at all times. Please review the messaging sent out Monday, though; Special Airborne Contact Precautions will still be appropriate for several higher risk situations.