Respiratory Safety Protocols Updated at Cincinnati Children’s
To help ensure continued preparedness against respiratory illness year-round, Cincinnati Children’s is implementing a three-tiered precaution system based on the prevalence and spread of respiratory illnesses.
Standard - When the prevalence of respiratory illness is reduced and stable.
Heightened (patient/public facing) - When prevalence is increased and extra precautions are needed in patient and public facing areas.
Heightened (all areas) - When the prevalence of respiratory illness is high and extra precautions are needed in all areas.
In light of the reduced prevalence and spread of respiratory illness in our region and at Cincinnati Children’s, the following safety protocols have been updated as of March 16.
Employee Masking
Masking is optional for non-symptomatic employees in all areas, including employees who received exemptions for either COVID-19 or flu vaccine.
Anyone with respiratory symptoms from any illness should wear a mask on our campuses.
Patients, visitors and staff who are between days 6 to 10 of a COVID-19 diagnosis must mask per guidance from the national Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Masking should continue in usual situations according to your units or patient types.
Isolation PPE requirements still apply.
Masking is permitted and encouraged for those who prefer it. Please comply with requests to mask from families/colleagues and be respectful toward them.
When prevalence and spread of illness increases, we will again require masking in patient and public facing areas – or in all areas. It is a new norm. (Please see the sidebar about our new three-tiered precaution system.)
Masking stations will continue to be stocked.
Employee Screening and Reporting of Symptoms
Daily employee self-screening will no longer be required.
You should continue to notify 803-SAFE if you have respiratory symptoms to minimize the risk of transmitting illness to others.
Rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 will remain available for employee testing.
Infection Prevention and Control Guideline 5.2 describes the additional restrictions for employees who may be experiencing a highly contagious condition.
Social Distancing
Social distancing requirements will no longer be enforced.