Visiting Angels: Mask Guidelines

CDC recommends masks be worn only once as intended and not reused. Reusing of N95 and surgical masks increases risk to the wearer.

Wearing personal protective equipment does not take away from the need for proper handwashing. If masks need to be touched or adjusted while wearing, handwashing should be done immediately before and after.

N95 Respirator Mask: COVID-Positive Clients Only

N95 is a personal protective device that covers the mouth and nose. It filters 95% of small air particles. It is only effective when it provides a tight seal. Not to be reused.
N95 Respirator Masks are used to reduce the risk of the wearer when directly caring for a COVID-positive client.
N95 Respirator masks should never be worn by children. They pose a serious risk to people with asthma or respiratory issues.
These masks demand comprehensive OSHA requirements that must be followed and well documented. Per OSHA, you must be fit tested, trained, and medically evaluated prior to wearing. Document your training.
Fit testing kits can be ordered. OSHA does not require a fit test administrator to be certified, just to know how to conduct a test, recognize invalid tests, and thoroughly clean and maintain equipment.

Fit testing for N95 Respirator mask is performed:

Initially
Whenever a different size, style, or model is used
When any facial changes occur that would affect the fit (significant weight changes, dental work)
Learn more from the OSHA website.

Surgical Masks (Face Masks): Non-COVID Clients Only

We recommend caregivers wear surgical masks (if available) while providing care to non-COVID clients. They are not recommended to use with COVID-19 positive clients.
They are loose-fitting and do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants. They do provide some degree of protection for both caregiver and client.
If worn properly, an FDA-approved surgical/face masks helps block large particle droplets that may contain germs, keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose. They also help reduce exposure of the wearer's saliva and respiratory secretions from contaminating other persons and surfaces.

Cloth Masks (homemade): Non-COVID Clients Only

Surgical masks need to be prioritized due to the shortages. If no surgical masks are available, cloth face masks may need to be substituted.
Only use cloth face masks while providing care for non-COVID clients.

Cloth Face Coverings (homemade): Non-COVID Clients

The CDC recommends that the general public use simple cloth face coverings when in a public setting, along with social distancing, to slow the spread of the virus.

These are not considered personal protective equipment and their level of protection is not known. The tighter the fit the better.

They are a last resort use for our caregivers due to the shortage of surgical masks/ face masks.

Visiting Angels of West Springfield continues to provide and care for the community in the Greater Springfield area as well as the many older adults and seniors who depend on our services to help them maintain their daily lifestyle. We are constantly following CDC and WHO guidelines and recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our Caregivers are constantly provided new or cleaned masks when they visit our Caregivers and cautiously maintain social distancing measures and hygiene measures where possible. If you have further questions about our services or the PPE our Caregivers use with clients, please reach out to our main office at (413)733-6900 today!