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<p>All,<br>
<br>
Please see the attached advisories from DPH addressing PPE changes including increased mask usage and eye protection due to increasing cases across the commonwealth.<br>
<br>
Ethan<br>
----- Forwarded message from "Cluett, William (DPH)" <<a href="mailto:william.cluett@state.ma.us">william.cluett@state.ma.us</a>> -----<br>
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:58:48 +0000<br>
From: "Cluett, William (DPH)" <<a href="mailto:william.cluett@state.ma.us">william.cluett@state.ma.us</a>><br>
Subject: Updated Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment Guidance and Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Healthcare Providers<br>
To: Russ Hall <<a href="mailto:enaiman@holdenma.gov">enaiman@holdenma.gov</a>><br>
<br></p>
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<p>Dear Colleagues,</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-autospace:none">The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is sharing updated Comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance. DPH is updating this guidance to incorporate strategies for PPE use in settings where there are high numbers of individuals being quarantined or isolated due to COVID-19, and to reflect the increasing community prevalence of SARS-CoV-2. This guidance r<span style="color:black">einstates the need to wear eye protection during patient encounters as community-level transmission is high across the Commonwealth. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-autospace:none">Please note, EMS personnel, as healthcare personnel, are required to follow the requirements as outlined in this guidance document. All healthcare personnel should don a facemask upon entry to the healthcare facility or care area, which in the case of EMS, is considered to include but not be limited to a patient’s home or inside an ambulance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>DPH is also sharing updated COVID-19 guidance for healthcare providers in response to the increasing number of cases and community transmission in Massachusetts. Given these trends, DPH has removed the exception that staff may remove their masks when congregating. Additionally, DPH is reinforcing that staff should not come to work while symptomatic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you for your ongoing dedication to your staff and patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thank you,<br>
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health</p>
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----- End forwarded message -----<br></p>
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<div><span style="font-size:12px;">Ethan Naiman</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:12px;">EMS Coordinator</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:12px;">Holden Fire Department</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:12px;">1370 Main Street</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:12px;">Holden, MA 01520</span></div>
<div><span style="font-size:12px;">Office: 508-210-5659</span></div>
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