The Irish Nurses and Midwives’ Organisation (INMO) has said it is very happy the new national policy is advising healthcare workers to wear face masks.
The INMO has said that international evidence shows the wearing of face masks protects healthcare workers against the spread of Covid-19.
All healthcare workers now have to wear facemasks when providing close care to patients. It applies to nurses, doctors and healthcare assistants in both public and private settings.
These new rules means any healthcare worker – be it in a hospital or nursing home – has to wear a facemask if they are providing close care to a patient.
It also applies to any worker in a healthcare setting who may be near a patient for more than 15 minutes.
It come as the Chair of the Coronavirus Expert Advisory Group, Cillian de Casgun says new research shows up to half of us could have been infected with the virus with no or mild symptoms.
Meanwhile the World Health Organisation says the use of face masks is up to each individual government.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said:
“This is welcome news to frontline staff and patients, which should ease some anxiety and reduce transmission of the virus.
“This should have been rolled out weeks ago, but we are glad to have finally secured this measure. It will not only benefit frontline healthcare workers, but will reduce the risk of transmission to patients.
“The next step must be ensuring sufficient supplies are available for all health workers, and continuous PPE training where needed.”
Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation has welcomed a change in national policy, which now mandates facemasks in all settings for any healthcare workers, who provide care within 2m of a patient. It also applies to any of their colleagues who come within 2m for more than 15 minutes.
— Fergal Bowers (@FergalBowers) April 22, 2020
