[Elizabeth Carroll]

Hi Helen: good point. Definitely don’t want to be creating a false sense of security.

regards

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

Hi Elizabeth
I also agree with Michael – especially the point where you don’t want any pretence that the masks will perform a greater function than they’re capable of – especially in a place where so many vulnerable persons reside.
I would also add that once in place – just inadvertently touching the mask may pull it out the original alignment and the gap may widen without even realising it.

Have a good weekend
Helen

[cid:image001.jpg@01D661C7.986B8DE0]

Helen Vertoudakis | Director | Vert Health
helen@verthealth.com.au | Ph +61 433 027 373 |
PO Box 536 Broadway NSW Australia 2007
http://www.verthealth.com.au

[cid:image002.png@01D661C7.986B8DE0]
[cid:image003.png@01D661C7.986B8DE0]
[cid:image004.png@01D661C7.986B8DE0]
[cid:image005.png@01D661C7.986B8DE0]

Please consider our environment before printing this e-mail
This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to
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Thanks Michael and Marilyn. Good advice.

regards

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

I agree with Michael’s assessment.

Stay safe everyone 🙂

Marilyn Harris

CNC Infection Prevention & Control | Sydney Dental Hospital and Oral Health Services, SLHD
Sydney Dental Hospital, 2 Chalmers Street, SURRY HILLS 2010
Tel 02 9293 3276 | Fax 02 9293 3488 | marilyn.harris@health.nsw.gov.au

[cid:image001.jpg@01D661B7.CFB2A870]

Hi Elizabeth

The technique itself looks OK, particularly with that specific brand and type of mask. You would have to test it on other brands and types to see if the same technique could be used.

BUT… I’m not convinced that using this technique is a good idea or even necessary, for a number of reasons, including:

1. It assumes that a loose fitting mask is a risk. If you are using a level 2 or 3 surgical mask appropriately to prevent droplet transmission, there is no evidence to suggest the seal at the sides is so important.

2. You are, in my opinion, fanning the flames for the aerosol route of transmission being important with routine contact, not just droplet spread.

3. Using a level 2 or 3 surgical mask with a seal is sending a false assurance about spread from aerosols, as these masks are not designed to prevent inhalation of aerosols like a correctly fitted P2/N95 masks.

I will be quite interested in other members’ view on this.

Cheers
Michael

Michael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.au

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au

[cid:image001.jpg@01D661A7.85576BE0]

[Stop the Flu before it stops you]

https://youtu.be/2TTg53aAP8Q

Hello all: I have seen this video on utube which shows how to modify a surgical mask by folding it to achieve a tighter fit.
Is there any benefit in modifying the masks in this way?

Is there any problem with doing this – assuming of course that it’s a fresh mas), and also ensuring that that doffing is as per normal infection control procedure?

I was considering sharing this with my Managers and incorporating into our procedures (in residential and home aged care).

Any thoughts?

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

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[Elizabeth Carroll]

Thanks Michael and Marilyn. Good advice.

regards

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

I agree with Michael’s assessment.

Stay safe everyone 🙂

Marilyn Harris

CNC Infection Prevention & Control | Sydney Dental Hospital and Oral Health Services, SLHD
Sydney Dental Hospital, 2 Chalmers Street, SURRY HILLS 2010
Tel 02 9293 3276 | Fax 02 9293 3488 | marilyn.harris@health.nsw.gov.au

[cid:image001.jpg@01D661B7.CFB2A870]

Hi Elizabeth

The technique itself looks OK, particularly with that specific brand and type of mask. You would have to test it on other brands and types to see if the same technique could be used.

BUT… I’m not convinced that using this technique is a good idea or even necessary, for a number of reasons, including:

1. It assumes that a loose fitting mask is a risk. If you are using a level 2 or 3 surgical mask appropriately to prevent droplet transmission, there is no evidence to suggest the seal at the sides is so important.

2. You are, in my opinion, fanning the flames for the aerosol route of transmission being important with routine contact, not just droplet spread.

3. Using a level 2 or 3 surgical mask with a seal is sending a false assurance about spread from aerosols, as these masks are not designed to prevent inhalation of aerosols like a correctly fitted P2/N95 masks.

I will be quite interested in other members’ view on this.

Cheers
Michael

Michael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.au

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au

[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]

[Stop the Flu before it stops you]

https://youtu.be/2TTg53aAP8Q

Hello all: I have seen this video on utube which shows how to modify a surgical mask by folding it to achieve a tighter fit.
Is there any benefit in modifying the masks in this way?

Is there any problem with doing this – assuming of course that it’s a fresh mas), and also ensuring that that doffing is as per normal infection control procedure?

I was considering sharing this with my Managers and incorporating into our procedures (in residential and home aged care).

Any thoughts?

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

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[Elizabeth Carroll]

Thanks John. We don’t require our staff to wear a mask in all clinical areas for the entire shift- only when they are actually caring for someone who is covid-19 positive.

Can I ask – is anyone else in aged care requiring staff to wear masks all shift?

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

Their 9/7/2020 scientific brief is a good read in full . I’m reassured that we are on the right track.

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions

Airborne transmission of the virus can occur in health care settings where specific medical procedures, called aerosol generating procedures, generate very small droplets called aerosols. Some outbreak reports related to indoor crowded spaces have suggested the possibility of aerosol transmission, combined with droplet transmission, for example, during choir practice, in restaurants or in fitness classes.

Prevention summary:
* Identify suspect cases as quickly as possible, test, and isolate all cases (infected people) in appropriate facilities;
* Identify and quarantine all close contacts of infected people and test those who develop symptoms so that they can be isolated if they are infected and require care;
* Use fabric masks in specific situations, for example, in public places where there is community transmission and where other prevention measures, such as physical distancing, are not possible;
* Use of contact and droplet precautions by health workers caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients, and use of airborne precautions when aerosol generating procedures are performed;
* Continuous use of a medical mask by health workers and caregivers working in all clinical areas, during all routine activities throughout the entire shift;
* At all times, practice frequent hand hygiene, physical distancing from others when possible, and respiratory etiquette; avoid crowded places, close-contact settings and confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation; wear fabric masks when in closed, overcrowded spaces to protect others; and ensure good environmental ventilation in all closed settings and appropriate environmental cleaning and disinfection.

The 29/6/2020 WHO update is also relevant

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance-publications

John Ferguson
Infectious Diseases Physician, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Hunter New England Health, Microbiologist, Pathology North, NSW
Conjoint Associate Professor, University of Newcastle
T: 61 2 49214444, F: 61 2 49214440, M: +61 (0)428 885573 @mdjkf idmic.net, aimed.net.au
________________________________

Hi Elizabeth

Anyone interested in the ‘droplet vs airborne’ debate about SARS-CoV-2 transmission should read this blog: https://haicontroversies.blogspot.com/2020/07/a-tiresome-spat.html?spreftw&m1&fbclidIwAR38FYt_TVruTnDugyPy_sjlGumOGWdii3aSWsbQ1lhFvX9jfsTMvdy4SNc

Cheers
Michael

Michael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.au

[cid:image001.jpg@01D46C86.4CDB6090]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]

Hello all I’m following the recent developments re-the letter to the world health organisation flagging that COVID-19 may be transmitted by the airborne route. Is anyone else watching this and if so what do you think the implications will be for ICP if COVID-19 does turn out to be airborne as well as droplet and contact? What if anything are you doing to prepare for this possibility? I work in residential and community aged care so would particularly be interested in your feedback if you are also involved in these fields. Thanks very much in advance.

Elizabeth Carroll | Executive Manager Residential & Chief Clinical Officer
p 07 3223 4444 d 07 3223 4491 f 07 3223 4411 m 0468 522 131
Level 3, 19 Lang Parade, Milton Q 4064 | PO Box 771, Toowong BC Q 4066

[PresCare]

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