Today (9 July) we will introduce the mandatory use of surgical masks for all clinical employees, ambulatory patients and visitors to our sites.
This is a proactive step to ensure your continued protection and wellbeing.
Please read the following information carefully as it is critical in times of uncertainty to act on credible information. Our Medical Director Infection Prevention, Associate Professor Rhonda Stuart, outlines the facts for you below:
Key messages
- Surgical masks protect health care workers against droplet contamination.
- The use of masks is part of a comprehensive package of the prevention and control measures that can limit the spread of certain respiratory viral diseases, including COVID-19.
- A mask alone cannot protect you from COVID-19. It must be combined with other measures, including maintaining at least 1.5 metre distance from each other and performing hand hygiene frequently.
- It is critical that you complete your PPE training (online and face-to-face) and that you know how to don and doff a surgical mask.
- Home-made or personal masks should not be worn by clinical employees while at Monash Health
- Monash Health’s PPE Tiers have been updated to align with DHHS guidance in order to make it easier for employees who work across multiple health services. Read more about PPE Tiers here.
Reminder: Aerosol generating procedures require Tier 3 PPE. Tier 3 PPE requires the use of an N95 mask.
Visit Personal Protective Equipment Information for further information, useful posters and FAQs.