All staff, patients and visitors at Logan Hospitals, and others impacted by the recent COVID-19 cluster, must now wear surgical masks.
Queensland Health wants the same approach for all healthcare providers in the Greater Brisbane area.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said following the cluster of COVID-19 cases relating to the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre, including one additional case announced today, it makes sense to make this change.
“This is only in place for health facilities in Greater Brisbane who remain on heightened alert because of the current cluster,” Dr Young said.
“We are working very hard to control this current outbreak and until we get on top of it, it makes sense for us to take this measure.”
Under the plan:
- staff will wear masks at all times while treating patients and at any time where social distancing cannot be maintained.
- all patients are required to wear a mask at all times, except when they are in their own bed.
- any visitors given an exemption to attend hospital will be required to wear a mask during their visit.
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Dr Young also said that those in the Greater Brisbane community, who struggle to social distance throughout their day, should also consider wearing a mask.
“Along with washing your hands, social distancing is the gold standard of COVID-19 preventative measures,” she said.
“However, some of us do struggle to maintain social distancing whether at work or socially. For those who fall into this category, face masks can be a useful added layer of protection until they are able to social distance again.”
“Protecting our community is important, and now we have a stockpile of PPE including masks and gowns that our health heroes on the front line can utilise every single day,” Health Minister Steven Miles said.
“It is important that we continue to protect the vulnerable in our community, including those who require hospital care, and the health staff who are an integral part of our COVID-19 response.”
Advice for wearing a mask:
- avoid touching it while you’re wearing it. If you do, wash your hands.
- do not reuse single-use masks and immediately replace if you have coughed or sneezed into it.
- when disposing of a mask, put it in a sealable bag to ensure the used mask won’t be touched by others. Then put the sealed bag in the bin.
- always clean your hands immediately after removing your mask and putting it in the bin.
- For more information on face masks, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/protect-yourself-others/face-masks
