1. Wear a Level 3 mask at all times in all areas of the hospital where you are not required to wear an N95. Eye protection required in units on high alert or outbreak, or for HCWs caring for COVID-positive or suspect patients. Eye protection no longer required to be worn for all patient interactions, however HCWs may continue to use eye protection based on their PCR

• Please do not remove your mask to talk on the phone.
• Only exception is when eating alone or with 2 metres of physical distancing in a room (if you are not in work self-isolation).
• When you remove your mask prior to eating, please:
• Do not let it hang from your neck
• Do not place it on a surface without a barrier like a paper towel.
• Sanitize your hands before donning and doffing
• A Level 3 mask should also be worn if carpooling to work or using the St. Joe’s shuttle.

Click here for a list of Acceptable Eye Protection, including: face shield, safety glasses, and goggles.

2. An N95 Respirator is required in units on outbreak, or for HCW when caring for a COVID positive or suspect patients. HCW may continue to use N95 or based on Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA).

• If you enter a unit in outbreak or high-alert, you must don an N95 respirator when entering the unit.
• You should continue to use that N95 while you are seeing patients unless it becomes soiled or damaged, even if you leave the high alert/outbreak floor.
• Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA) algorithm should be used in every non-COVID patient interaction.
  • All Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures (AGMP) for COVID and non-COVID patients require an N95.

Eye protection and N95 respirators are available at the Satellite PPE Depot at each campus:

• Charlton Campus: Room G116 open 24/7, except when attendant is on break/lunch (Click here for schedule)
• West 5th Campus: located near Tim Hortons; requirements to be coordinated with Victoria Kay
• King Campus: requirements to be coordinated with Tammy Robinson

Click here for more information on the Satellite PPE Depot.

A valid fit test is required to obtain an N95 respirator from the Satellite PPE Depot. Using an N95 respirator without a valid fit test would be considered as a breach of use of PPE leading to an increased risk of COVID transmission.

Reminder:

A reminder that a valid fit test is required to obtain an N95 respirator from the Satellite PPE Depot. Using an N95 respirator without a valid fit test would be considered as a breach of use of PPE leading to an increased risk of COVID transmission. 

Watch this video for a demonstration on how to put on and remove PPE