Effective Friday, May 1 Dayshift
In keeping with the guidance set by the Ohio Department of Health and the governor’s office on April 30, there are new updates to mask and face coverings.
- All Kettering Health Network employees are now required to wear masks. See specifications below.
- Patient and visitors are now required to wear masks (cloth or isolation) in public areas
Patients
If patients do not present with their own cloth mask, they will be given a mask at point of entry. Patients must wear masks in public areas.
- Public areas include any time a patient spends time outside of their room (i.e., transport, therapy, etc.).
- Patients do NOT need to wear a mask if in private room by themselves.
- Unless soiled or damaged, patients will reuse their mask. See education attachments for staff and patients.
Visitors
When visitors do not present with a cloth mask, they will be given a mask at point of entry. Visitors will be instructed to wear their mask during the entire visit, unless in a room by themselves.
Kettering Health Network Staff
All employees are required to wear masks.
- Patient-facing employees (those who come in contact with a patient) will
need to wear an isolation mask or N95 mask as applicable per prior guidance.
- Masks are to be worn throughout one’s shift, removing the mask only to eat and drink OR while in an office if no other persons are present.
- Staff who work on designated areas will be provided an isolation mask at point of entry. This mask should be worn to the designated area and kept for use when leaving the designated area at the end of shift. Designated area staff may choose to wear a cloth mask from home. The cloth mask should only be worn in route to their designated area and when leaving at the end of their shift.
- Non-patient-facing employees (those who do NOT come in contact with a patient) may wear a cloth mask approved by their department leader.
- Masks are to be worn throughout one’s shift, removing the mask only to eat and drink OR while in an office if no other persons are present.
- Non-patient-facing employees who choose to wear a cloth mask must agree to launder the mask daily.
- Cloth masks must adhere to the standards outlined in the HR-KHN Dress and Appearance policy.
- As a reminder, everyone must perform hand hygiene before and after touching their mask.
Exceptions for non-patient-facing employees for the face covering/mask requirement:
- Enclosed, isolated workspace
- Advised by a health care professional to not wear a mask
- Against documented industry best practices
- Not permitted by federal or state laws/regulations
For non-patient-facing employees who meet these exceptions, contact Employee Health.
Let’s work together to ensure the safety of our workplace. This practice is for your protection. A significant portion of individuals positive with COVID-19 do not exhibit symptoms. Wearing a mask will protect from possible transmission. If you see team members not wearing a mask, kindly remind them of the new protocol. Continued noncompliance will be escalated.
For additional guidance see IC Communication: Mask Wearing FAQs for All Staff and Providers
Click here to view Mask Education for Patients and click here to view Mask Education for Inpatient Nursing Staff.