Green light for framework on mouth masks in healthcare | Interior

The healthcare sector itself has previously asked to lift the mouth mask obligation. It was introduced to contain the spread of the corona virus. Today, that virus is making the rounds much less, although it is still present, with the necessary risks for vulnerable people.

Therefore, at the proposal of expert group RMG, a plan with three levels was agreed, depending on the virus circulation. It is therefore no longer an obligation, but a recommendation. The plan has been tested in recent weeks with the healthcare sector, which can now get started with the recommendations.

So there are three levels. On level 1 the epidemiological situation is under control. Then mouth masks are not recommended, with the exception of, for example, the care of immunocompromised patients.

On level 3 there is a high viral circulation with a high risk of possible overload of the healthcare system. Then wearing a mouth mask is strongly recommended for everyone in the healthcare sector and throughout the healthcare institution.

We are currently at level 2. In it, the recommendations aim at the targeted use of the mouth masks to prevent healthcare-related transfer to patients, or to healthcare providers, and to avoid increased pressure on the healthcare system. For example, patients in a waiting room are advised to wear a mouth mask. This is also the case with close contacts in home nursing.

“I am pleased that after three years we can abolish the general obligation to wear mouth masks everywhere and at all times in healthcare and replace it with a plan that recommends mouth masks where necessary and when necessary,” said Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit). ).

He notes that wearing face masks in the current context remains strongly recommended in all contacts with patients and between patients. “After all, we must not forget that the mouth mask remains extremely useful to prevent virus transmission. I hope that we will soon be in a situation where there is less virus circulating and the mouth mask can be limited to exceptional situations, for example in contact with particularly vulnerable patients with immune problems.”

His Flemish colleague Hilde Crevits (CD&V) is also satisfied that wearing the mouth mask in healthcare is no longer an absolute obligation. “Obviously we have to protect our healthcare providers and vulnerable people. But healthcare providers can now properly assess for themselves when it is necessary to wear a mouth mask.”

The plan that was given the green light on Wednesday should provide the sector with a framework to make the correct assessment locally. “Everyone also remains free to use it if they feel better about it or if they want to protect the vulnerable. But the mouth mask should no longer make communication and the relationship between the patient, visitor and doctor more difficult. For the Flemish sectors, it is now being discussed in consultation to adjust the guidelines,” concludes Crevits.

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