N95 masks are now to be used by nurses in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities. The Society consistently advocated for this.
The Ministry of Health has now updated the guidelines on the use of N95 masks for staff working in MIQs.
The key change in the new guidelines is that N95 masks are now recommended when 2 metre physical distancing cannot be maintained from a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, for example when entering a confined space, such as a guest’s room.
This applies to healthcare staff when providing direct ‘hands-on care’ and when undertaking or assisting with daily health checks of people who are confirmed or probable cases.
It may apply to staff in other roles (i.e. NZDF staff) if they are required to perform tasks that require them to be within 2 metres from a person who is a confirmed or probable case e.g. when escorting for exercise.
This will also apply in quarantine facilities and quarantine zones of dual use managed isolation and quarantine facilities. N95 will also be worn when transferring a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 from one facility to another or from a facility to hospital.
N95 masks are now to be used by nurses in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities. The Society consistently advocated for this.
The Ministry of Health has now updated the guidelines on the use of N95 masks for staff working in MIQs.
The key change in the new guidelines is that N95 masks are now recommended when 2 metre physical distancing cannot be maintained from a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, for example when entering a confined space, such as a guest’s room.
This applies to healthcare staff when providing direct ‘hands-on care’ and when undertaking or assisting with daily health checks of people who are confirmed or probable cases.
It may apply to staff in other roles (i.e. NZDF staff) if they are required to perform tasks that require them to be within 2 metres from a person who is a confirmed or probable case e.g. when escorting for exercise.
This will also apply in quarantine facilities and quarantine zones of dual use managed isolation and quarantine facilities. N95 will also be worn when transferring a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 from one facility to another or from a facility to hospital.