The obligation to wear a mask in hospitals returns. With the arrival of winter and the increase in the circulation of respiratory viruses – from influenza to Covid to respiratory syncytial virus – the directors of some hospitals have decided, as foreseen by the latest Covid circular, to reintroduce the use of device for the entrance or for some sensitive departments.
This is the choice made by the Brescia hospital which – given the rise in Covid cases in the area – has decided to reinstate the obligation to wear Ffp2 protective devices for users, visitors, companions and caregivers in all departments. But he’s not the only one. “In recent weeks, in many regions of the country, such as Campania, indications have been issued for hospitals for the use of protective devices, especially for risk departments. The epidemiological aspect is important but even more so is the citizens’ awareness in choosing appropriate behaviours”, says Salute Federsanità Anci to Adnkronos.
Obligation expired in July
Last July 1st, the last obligation of the ‘old’ anti-Covid measures, that of masks in the wards with frail people, fell. However, the circular from the Ministry of Health opened up to the discretion of health directors who can “evaluate the opportunity to order the use of respiratory protection devices in the different contexts of their facility, taking into account the spread of airborne viruses, characteristics of the environments as well as the type of patients, workers or visitors who frequent them, depending on the level of risk of infection and/or transmission”. And so it is happening in some realities that prefer to ‘prevent’ any problems.
The appeal has come from Federsanità Anci for the only shield against respiratory viruses, from Covid to influenza: vaccination. “We need to get vaccinated: join the campaigns that all regions are implementing to stay safe. And this especially for the elderly, the vulnerable categories and people with compromised immune systems”, said the president of Federsanità Anci, Fabrizio d’Alba , who adds: “We know, for example, that in Campania at a territorial level, anti-Covid vaccinations are being organized together with the anti-flu vaccination campaign. The health companies are vigilant and attentive: the prevalence of the disease today is under control and not necessary of extraordinary activities. The choice of the vaccine is an act of unique awareness.”
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