Recently we spoke to your Facility Manager, Judith Warren, to see where things were at with mask wearing at Eliza Purton.

We told Judith that workers realise face masks are still mandatory in high-risk areas and know they’re a good way to prevent COVID-19 – but you’re also wondering how much longer you’re expected to wear N95/P2 masks.

We let Judith know that unlike some facilities that have been wearing surgical masks, workers at Eliza have been in N95/P2s on a constant basis and fear that it’s starting to impact their face and leave marks.

Workers also told us that they agree N95/P2s should be worn when there’s outbreaks, but that they’re hoping for a “breather” now there’s not.

Judith let us know that:

“The current level of PPE is a Respect directive. We will be continuing with the current arrangements whilst COVID and other respiratory infections remain relatively high in the community, unless Respect advises otherwise”.

Judith also gave us a heads up that a memo will be out soon to remind you about mask requirements. She said that you’ve been doing a marvellous job and Eliza has remained COVID and flu free – which she says is far better than the alternative.

If you’d like more information about the requirements, you can check out the links below:

• https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/coronavirus-covid-19/staying-well/vulnerable-people-and-high-risk-settings

• https://www.health.tas.gov.au/publications/covid-19-outbreaks-residential-aged-care-facilities-toolkit-support-planning-preparedness-and-response

If you’ve still got questions, then please make sure you have a chat with HACSUassist so they can point you in the right direction.