We have a very important correction from today’s call with regard to masking guidance. Today it was stated that a Fully Vaccinated HCP may remove their mask while in well-defined areas that are restricted from patient and public access, however, this is incorrect.
The following is the correct guidance for masking in a healthcare facility:
While it is generally safest to implement universal use of source control for everyone in a healthcare setting, the following allowances could be considered for
individuals who are up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses (who do not otherwise meet the criteria described above) in healthcare facilities
located in counties with low to moderate community transmission. These individuals might choose to continue using source control if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at
increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is not up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.
- HCP who are up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses:
- Could choose not to wear source control or physically distance when they are in well-defined areas that are restricted from patient access (e.g., staff meeting rooms, kitchen).
- They should wear source control when they are in areas of the healthcare facility where they could encounter patients (e.g., hospital cafeteria, common halls/corridors).
In addition, the correct link to the
community transmission rates can be found at the
CDC COVID Data Tracker. To access the correct community transmission rates, follow the steps below:
- Choose State/Territory
- Choose County or Metro Area
- Under “Data type” choose “Level of community transmission”
- Under “Map Metric” choose “Level of community transmission”
After completing these steps, it will tell you if your county is in low, moderate, substantial, or high transmission.
If you have any further questions please reach out to us at HAI-COVID@doh.wa.gov.
