As the public health emergency is lifted on Coronavirus disease 2019, hospitals must make a decision to tone down escalating strategies. Decision has to be made on changing policies on infection control and prevention, which are complicated and depends on various institutions and regional factors.
During the Covid 19, masking in community settings have been contentious, due to mask wearing politicization, and the lack of quality evidence endorsing efficacy.
Studies with regard to the effectiveness of using masks have consistent limitations with less than perfect mask usage, in almost all of the research done.
The results are unconclusive whether masks work, when mask usage is inconsistent.
It is suggested using mask should continue during interactions between patients and health care professionals. Although clinical trials are inconclusive.
Studies have indicated that to limit the spread of aerosols and droplets from individuals who are infected with influenza and corona viruses. Wearing surgical masks and face piece respirators, could effectively help to prevent the spread of the disease.
Generally, masks are not 100% effective, but they lessen the number of viral particles which releases while communicating or coughing in public. In healthcare setting continuous masking is necessary since health care personnel continuously work even though they are sick.
In most studies, up to two-thirds of professionals in health care admitted working with respiratory symptoms. Through interviews, during the covid 19 the authors examined presenteeism in one of their hospitals.
People vaccinated for influenza or covid 19, may experience mild symptoms that could be mistaken as non-infectious, however, one-third of infections with SARS – CoV-2 omicron are asymptomatic. But if transmitted to susceptible individuals, then it could be severe and life threatening.
Studies show that according to the clinical settings, the universal masking approach is not the only option, where other options can be considered.
In clinical settings, masks should be examined continuously for unforeseen outcomes and benefits. And the major limitation of making that is, communicating impedance should be addressed by redesigning or improving mask.
Notwithstanding the pitfalls of mask, during the covid-19, healthcare settings have functioned well. But some argued that for patients care the universal masking is not practical.
Most of the experts conclude that by using mask, will prevent the spread of Respiratory Viruses. Due to this the authors advocate say that, for safety of patients masking should not be discontinued in healthcare institutions.
