Standards on protective devices of the respiratory tract until December 31, 2023, are changing and are perhaps the last bastion and reminder of the Covid era.
Standards on respiratory protective devices
In hospital facilities The obligation to use respiratory masks remains in place for the Latina Local Health Authority (Hospitals of Latina, Terracina, Fondi, and Formia). (preferably FFP2). This follows the entry into force of the Ministry of Health ordinance of 28.04.2023. We are talking about “Urgent measures to contain and manage the COVID-19 epidemic concerning the use of devices for respiratory protection”.
Well, along with the adoption of other well-known and established hygiene and health practices—hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and compliance with isolation measures, which are especially necessary for vulnerable individuals and patients. These rules remain in force in all environments where healthcare activities/services are carried out (hospitalisation wards, Outpatient clinics, diagnostic services, etc.). But also in closed spaces where there are multiple people (waiting rooms/spaces, public counters, elevators, etc.). Masks are not mandatory, but recommended, in connecting spaces (entrances, corridors, stairways, etc.).
The obligation to take a COVID-19 swab test is no longer in force.
These measures have been much more important and useful than one might imagine, considering that we have also prevented other viruses.Just think, for example, of the various aggressive seasonal influenza viruses. Visitors to patients are still required to wear masks. hospitalized, to wear a respirator and maintain proper hygiene practices, together with regulated entry by number and time. But the obligation to take a COVID-19 swab test is no longer in force..
The nasopharyngeal swab test for COVID-19 will be performed only upon entry to the Emergency Room. But also upon admission, discharge and transfer from hospital, and in all suspected cases of SARS-Cov2 syndrome. This rule, although it does extend the timeframe somewhat, allows for a greater margin of safety. We must not forget the inconveniences of COVID, long-term COVID, and the after-effects that can impact quality of life.
Anti-Covid Masks – Regulations on Protective Devices
It should also be noted that in other Latina ASL services and other healthcare facilities in the area, the mandatory wearing of masks remains mandatory in some areas. I am talking about respiratory masks, as I mentioned above, within the departments that house fragile patients, elderly or immunocompromised. This also applies to social health and social care facilities, hospitality and long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospices, rehabilitation facilities, and residential facilities for the elderly, including those who are not self-sufficient. It should be emphasized: that children under the age of six, people with pathologies or disabilities incompatible with the use of masks are not required to wear them.with the use or who need to communicate with a person with a disability.
