The first cold weather could arrive soon (and finally) and with it the first circulatory viruses. Reason why the directors of Italian hospitals can choose to reintroduce the use of the mask for the entrance or for some sensitive departments, provided for by the latest Covid circular. And it is already mandatory in many hospitals
From Udine to Pordenone to Campania, passing through Brescia: we are back to talking about the obligation to wear shoes FFP2 in our hospitals, but only in some hospital departments and for now not throughout the country. The reason is simple: the cold returns and with it the greater circulation of viruses.
Based on the latest Covid circular, in fact, hospital directors can decide to reintroduce the use of the device for the entrance or for some sensitive departments and therefore “evaluate the opportunity to provide for the use of protective devices for respiratory tract in the different contexts of your facility”.
This is why this choice has already been made by the hospital Brescia which – given the increase 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.
As well as also in Campaniawhere indications have already been issued for hospitals in recent weeks for the use of protective devices, especially for risky departments. Furthermore, at the Santa Maria della Misericordia of Udinethose who enter the hospital are “invited and instructed” to wear the appropriate safety devices which will be delivered directly at the entrance. However, entry to the departments is not recommended for those with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or other pathologies that may be attributable to Covid. If entry, however, is really necessary, then it is mandatory to do so while wearing a mask; while the medical director of the hospital Pordenone for now he has chosen the path of recommendation: when entering the hospital, in fact, there is no obligation to wear a mask, but an “invitation to wear it”, especially those who have to go to the wards.
Why is the obligation to wear masks in hospitals returning?
Because, even if the numbers are under control, with infections falling last week compared to the previous one: 11,887 new cases against 13,073 at the end of September, with the arrival of winter there could be a increase in infections also due to the new XEC variant, with the groups most at risk – over 80s and frail – who must be protected.
As is known, the obligation to wear the FFP2 mask expired on July 1st hospital in departments where there are fragile patients. Then a circular from the Ministry of Health introduced the concept of discretion regarding the use of protective masks in hospitals, with the decision resting with the various health directors.
Could the obligation therefore also extend to other hospitals? Very likely, but a lot will depend on what the epidemiological situation in Italy will be in the coming months.
