On 6 August2021 the THS issued a public health direction that any worker or visitor in any Tasmanian public hospital has to wear a fitted face mask. THS will announce whether the direction will cease or be extended when it expires on 12 August.
The implementation of the public health direction in Tasmanian Hospitals is as follows:
- All workers entering THS and primary health facilities must wear a surgical mask on entry. Workers and visitors will not be permitted to wear their own cloth or reusable masks. Level 3 surgical masks are recommended for clinical areas and level 2 surgical masks for non-clinical areas.
- All workers must wear their surgical mask while in the facility with exception to the following: 1) communication with a person who is deaf, or has impaired hearing, and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication 2) consumption of food, drink or medicine 3) an emergency where it isn’t practicable or safe to wear the mask 4) working or studying in an indoor or outdoor space where there are no other persons present.
- The surgical mask may be worn for up to 4 hours continuously. It must be changed after 4 hours or if it becomes visibly soiled or wet during this time.
- Ensure a new mask is worn if providing care to a patient under transmission-based precautions.
- When patients are not within their bed space, they must wear a surgical mask.
- It’s recommended that patients or aged care residents on leave from any THS facility also wear a surgical mask if not contraindicated.
- If involved in a clinical or procedural activity a new mask must be worn immediately before commencing the next procedural activity.
- Individual staff sitting at a lone desk or single office space are permitted to remove their mask only while at this desk when not in contact with other people.
Please contact us if you require any further clarification of the public health direction.
