Masks: Still a Great Stocking Stuffer
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/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2021

Masks: Still a Great Stocking Stuffer

While we had all hoped to ditch the masks long ago, with Delta still going strong and the slow inevitable approach of Omicron, we could go on needing them for a while longer. And a lot has changed since we first started talking about masks. Here are the updates you need as you get (or give) masks this holiday season.

Go for fit first. Coming up on almost 2 years of the COVID pandemic, we know things now that we didn’t know in the beginning. For instance, the most important thing about a mask is how well it fits. If it gaps at the top, sides, or bottom, it’s not working as well as it should. Try twisting or knotting the ear loops to make it tighter or swap it out for a better fitting mask.

Next, evaluate comfort. The best mask for you is the one that you can wear for the entire grocery trip or shift comfortably and without having to readjust. If you do touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.

Medical-grade masks are OK. At the beginning of the pandemic, medical professionals were urging members of the public not to purchase medical-grade masks—including surgical masks and N95s—because they were in short supply. Thankfully, the supply issues for personal protective equipment have been resolved. Medical professionals have all they need, and there are additional ones available in stores. Surgical masks and N95s are more effective germ blockers than cloth masks, so they are much better for travel and other situations where you cannot avoid a crowd.

Any mask is better than no mask. Some things have not changed. Vaccination is the #1 COVID-mitigation strategy. Wearing a mask, any mask, in public, around unvaccinated people, and around people whose vaccination status you do not know is still an important way to protect yourself and others from COVID.

With our vaccinations, boosters, masks, avoiding crowds, washing our hands, and staying home when we are sick, we will all be more likely to have a joyful holiday season and a happy new year, in spite of what COVID throws at us.

Donna Barron, RN, is the infection preventionist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care in Bennington.

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What to Expect During Your Outpatient Visit

Now that cases of COVID-19 in the state have plateaued and Governor Phil Scott has given the go-ahead to resume elective procedures, the physicians and nurses at Southwestern Vermont Health Care are eager to provide the elective procedures that were postponed at the onset of the pandemic.

At the same time, we recognize that we need to implement enhanced precautions to ensure safety. See news about the universal safety precautions we are taking here.

Two areas in particular, outpatient surgery and diagnostics (which include the lab and imaging departments), have put additional precautions in place to ensure patient and staff safety.

Outpatient Surgery

3 – 4 Days Before Procedure. Patients will be given directions to get a drive-up swab test for COVID-19. The test should be conducted 3 – 4 days before your surgery. There is no out-of-pocket charge. Patients are given a cloth mask and are asked to wear it and self-isolate until surgery. Results for most tests are expected to be negative. Your surgeon will be in touch with you if there is a positive result. Procedures for those who have tested positive will be rescheduled.

Day of Procedure. Patients should come to the procedure alone, unless they need to be accompanied for safety reasons. Both patients and companions should wear a cloth face covering to the hospital. They are screened for symptoms at the main entrance. Patients will be given a medical-grade procedure mask to wear once they are checked into the unit.

Post Procedure. After the procedure, we will continue to be available to you. You will be provided a link that can be accessed via your cell phone or Internet. The link includes a brief questionnaire to help us assess your progress and guide you to a smooth recovery.

Diagnostic Imaging and Lab Work

Like those receiving an outpatient procedure, every imaging patient will be screened over the phone before arriving at the hospital. Lab patients with appointments will also be pre-screened on the phone. All patients should come for lab and imaging alone, unless a support person is needed for safety reasons. Patients should wear a cloth face covering to the hospital and for the entire duration of their stay. Patients are screened again at the main entrance.

Patients will notice some changes in the waiting rooms. Chairs have been spaced 6 feet apart to comply with social distancing. Reading material has been removed to discourage touching things that have been touched by others. In addition, the exam rooms are being deep cleaned after every patient, and the waiting rooms and high-traffic areas are disinfected hourly.

The clinical professionals at SVHC are confident that these measures, along with continued social distancing, will allow patients to receive the care they need in a safe and timely way.

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