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Universal Masking Policy

Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) is committed to providing a safe environment for our staff and patients. Our Universal Masking Policy requires all staff, patients and visitors to wear a surgical mask when entering all WAHA sites. We aim to minimize the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19 to employees, patients and visitors within our facility.

In addition to our Universal Masking Policy we also recommend the following as best practices:

  • Persons wearing only a mask must also practice physical distancing, maintaining at least two meters (six feet) of separation from patients, residents and other staff to prevent exposing themselves to droplets from others.
  • WAHA has allotted 4 surgical masks per shift to all clinical staff and 2 masks daily for non-clinical staff without patient contact.
  • Masks are to be donned when entering the facility and removed when eating or leaving the facility at the end of the shift/day.
  • After use, masks are to be handled in a manner that minimizes the potential for cross-contamination.
  • If a mask is to be re-used, keep it from being contaminated by storing it in a clean paper bag, or in a cleanable container with a lid. Paper bags are to be discarded after each use.
  • Hand hygiene is to be performed before putting on and after removing or otherwise handling masks.

Reusable masks (e.g. cloth mask) are only allowed in non-clinical settings and should meet the following standards:

  • It must be freshly washed.
  • It should be able to machine wash and dry between each use without it changing shape or being damaged.
  • It must be comfortable and fit snugly against the face.
  • It must be made of multiple layers of fabric.
  • It must allow the user to breathe easily.

Read more about our Universal Masking Policy in our official memo:
WAHA MEMO – Universal Masking Policy (PDF)