Masks are still mandatory in nursing homes and other care facilities

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries sent this bulletin at 05/27/2021 10:25 AM PDT

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Two N 95 Respirator masks

Masks are still mandatory in nursing homes and other care facilities

Make sure you’re wearing the right type

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced people who are vaccinated against COVID-19, no longer need to wear a mask indoors or outdoors. That does not include medical or long-term care facilities, adult family homes, and other nursing and residential care facilities.

For most employees working in these facilities, respirators are the type of mask they should be wearing. Here is a list of resources to help employers and workers make sure they’re wearing respirators the correct way and in the right situations.

Updated COVID-19 Prevention: Respiratory Protection for Nursing and Residential Care provides guidance for respirator use.

Using face masks at work can help you train N95 users on the basics of respirator use. This PowerPoint training includes information on proper use and limitations of dust masks, surgical masks and N-95 masks at work.

Respirator Program Template and Guide for N95 Use provides a basic framework to adapt to your company’s specific needs.

Medical Evaluation Questionnaire for Respirator Use - now available in 11 languages besides English!

Respirator Fit Testing Using Sweet and/or Bitter Solutions is a 54 minute YouTube instructional video that teaches how to set up and conduct a fit test for N95 users.

PPE for Facilities from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) shows how to acquire respirator supplies during times of shortages.

Fit Testing Project offers free fit-testing services and equipment lending for those who qualify.

If you get stuck and would like no-fee, confidential assistance, contact your local L&I consultant.