Universal masking in hospitals in the COVID-19 era: Is it time to consider shielding?
Sonali D AdvaniBecky A SmithSarah S LewisDeverick J AndersonDaniel J SextonPublished in: Infection control and hospital epidemiology (2020)
With concerns for presymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 and increasing burden of contact tracing and employee furloughs, several hospitals have supplemented pre-existing infection prevention measures with universal masking of all personnel in hospitals. Other hospitals are currently faced with the dilemma of whether or not to proceed with universal masking in a time of critical mask shortages. We summarize the rationale behind a universal masking policy in healthcare settings, important considerations before implementing such a policy and the challenges with universal masking. We also discusses proposed solutions such as universal face shields.