Dec 2, 2022Be Aware: Whatcom County is in a High Community Transmission Level Category per CDC MapThis is a significant change from our previous level, and it is the first time Whatcom County has been in the High Community Transmission Level Category since WA DOH updated the healthcare guidance on October 31, 2022. Healthcare facilities should implement the following additional infection prevention measures immediately to prevent the spread of Sars-CoV-2. These measures should remain in place until we have been below high community transmission for at least 14 days.
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Universal Masking as Source Control, a Reminder:Eye Protection:- Staff should wear eye protection (face shields, goggles, etc that adequately cover the face) for all patient encounters while in high community transmission and for 14 days after community transmission decreases below high
New Admissions to Facilities:- While in high community transmission and for 14 days afterwards, all new admissions should be screened for COVID-19 unless recently recovered from an infection in the past 30 days
To protect the health and safety of healthcare workers, if an AGP or procedure that creates uncontrolled respiratory secretions is performed on a patient in a facility located in a region with high community transmission, regardless of COVID-19 status, the following should occur: - Healthcare providers (HCP) in the room (or patient care area) should wear a NIOSH approved N95 or equivalent or higher-level respirator, eye protection, gloves, and a gown.
- The number of HCP present during the procedure should be limited to only those essential for patient care and procedure support (for example, parents/caregivers for emotional or physical support). Visitors should not be present for the procedure, if possible.
- AGPs should take place in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), if possible. If an AIIR is not available, the door to the room should remain closed during the procedure and for the lengths of time indicated on page 17 of the DOH guidance document following the AGP.
- If respirators are in short supply, facilities should implement CDC’s Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators.
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Contact InformationWhatcom County Health Department 509 Girard St Bellingham, WA 98225
Email: [email protected]
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