Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Urges Mask Use in Healthcare

Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology strongly urges its members to maintain mandatory mask requirement policies for healthcare employees.

By HFT Staff


A major association for infection prevention professionals recently urged its members to continue masking in patient care areas even though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has loosened its masking recommendations for healthcare workers.  

Despite CDC’s recent guidance shift that relaxes recommendations for universal healthcare personnel masking, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) strongly urges its 15,000 infection preventionist members to maintain mandatory mask requirement policies for healthcare employees in all patient care areas. 

“While APIC understands that many healthcare employees have grown weary of masking, we do not believe it is wise to discontinue this evidence-based, COVID-19 mitigation strategy, especially as we enter what is predicted to be a severe flu season, with COVID-19 surges looming on the horizon,” according to a press release from the group. “In addition, there is a seven-day lag in CDC COVID testing data, which may limit the ability to detect surges in real time. 

“As healthcare professionals, we are obligated to protect the vulnerable patients entrusted to our care. It is for this reason that we take annual flu shots, and stay up to date with other immunizations, including COVID-19. Requiring masks of anyone who enters a healthcare setting, including employees, helps to ensure the safest environment for our patients.” 



October 13, 2022


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Biofilms: The New Frontier for Reducing MDRO

Biofilms in healthcare facilities act as reservoirs for microbial transmission to patients that can lead to infection.


St. Anthony Regional Hospital Falls Victim to Hacking

The hospital says there is presently no evidence any breached information has been used for identity theft or fraud.


Healthcare Facilities Alerted of 'Scattered Spider' Cyber Threat

The group uses a form of AI technology known as deep fakes, which are convincing yet false recreations that can trick people.


What Do Healthcare Employees Want from Their Organizations?

Safety, location and company culture are among employees’ top concerns.


CareTrust REIT to Acquire a Portfolio of 31 Skilled Nursing Facilities

The company expects the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2024.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.