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I am writing to inquire about the current status of surgical mask mandates in aged care facilities in Victoria, Australia, and whether they remain a mandatory measure to consistently wear every day in these settings.
Given the evolving situation with COVID-19 and the increased vaccination coverage among both staff and residents, our facility is currently reviewing its infection control policies. We would appreciate any guidance or evidence-based recommendations you can provide regarding the continued need for mask-wearing in aged care environments.
Specifically, we would like to know:
1)Are masks still mandated in aged care facilities in Victoria for staff and residents?
2)What is the current evidence or rationale supporting the ongoing use of masks in these settings, particularly in the context of high vaccination rates and improved ventilation systems?
3)Have there been any recent updates to the guidelines or best practices from ACIPC regarding mask usage in aged care?We would greatly appreciate any guidance or evidence you can share to inform our decision-making.
ThankyouJewel Xavier
Java Dale aged Care – Bethel Aged Care
Hi Jewel,
Perhaps this statement will assist to answer:
Health services and other settings where the risk of COVID-19 transmission and impact is particularly significant (i.e. RACF) are recommended to take actions based on local risk assessment. Taken from: Increase in COVID-19 activity – https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/increase-covid-19-activity
Although surgical masks are recommended for use in Victoria as a safety measure against RTI transmission, the risk assessment and decision are currently up to the provider or service to make.
Infection Prevention and Control Expert Group – Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers in the context of COVID-19: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-infection-prevention-control-guidelines/resources – provides a good risk assessment process to assist with this.
The following links provide recommendations around PPE and masks (for Victoria) to assist with decision making:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) –
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-infection-prevention-control-guidelines/personal-protective-equipment-ppe – information on mask use
COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines References – info on masks and respirator standards for decision making –
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-infection-prevention-control-guidelines
Better Health Channel – Face masks and COVID-19 –
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/covid-19/face-masks-covid-19The Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide addresses the use of masks and risk assessment – https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/aged-care-infection-prevention-and-control-guide as does the National IPC Guideline.
