Jun 12, 2020
Host Darren Buford checks in briefly with pathology expert Ruth Werner on recent WHO statements regarding asymptomatic spread of COVID-19, then transitions to an in-depth discussion with Massage Mastery Online’s Director of Education, and Preventing Disease Transmission in a Massage Practice author, Anne Williams about the future of digital textbooks, teaching effectively in the 21st century, and looking anew at standard precautions for your practice in a world with COVID-19.
Note from ABMP: As you are aware, much still remains to be learned about COVID-19, and protocols and precautions for returning to work are constantly shifting as new information emerges. After this podcast was recorded, Anne Williams sent us this update to the facemask discussion included in the podcast.
The CDC recently updated their guidelines for the reuse of N95 respirator masks based on a study showing that detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 were present on the outer layer of a surgical mask after 7 days (Chin, 2020). The study suggests that the amount of detectable COVID was not high enough to cause infection. However, the CDC now recommends that each health care professional is issued five N95 masks. A mask is placed in a paper sack at the end of a shift and left where air can circulate around the mask for five days before it is worn again (CDC, 2020).
As massage professionals we must reconcile a number of factors as we contemplate managing our personal safety and the realities of N95 facemask availability.
- Perhaps we can get hold of five N95 masks and reuse them applying the CDC recommendations and feel a high level of protection.
- It is more likely that N95 masks will not be available or we are only able to get hold of one or two masks. In this case we should opt to supplement our N95 masks with heavier surgical masks. However, we must understand that surgical masks will not protect us from small particle respiratory droplets.
- How high is the COVID caseload in the community? If the caseload is lower than we are at less risk of encountering an asymptomatic client and we may feel safe enough in a surgical mask. If the caseload is higher than our chances of encountering an asymptomatic client are higher and we must decide if we feel safe enough in a surgical mask.
- Do we have underlaying conditions that place us at high risk of a serious case of COVID if we are exposed? If yes, we’ll want to be in N95 masks if we decide to open our practices.
- Maybe we are willing to practice exceptional PPE safety and we put on and take off masks properly and clean our hands if we absentmindedly touch the surface of the mask. Maybe we feel safe enough simply treating the outer surface of the mask as contaminated and handling it with a high level of caution.
- Remember, when your mask shows wear or remains damp inside and no longer conforms to your face, or if you start to have difficulty breathing in the mask, it should be replaced.
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