The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Department released an advisory disallowing the use of respirators and masks with exhalation valve among patients, visitors, outsourced service providers, employees, and healthcare workers.
The advisory cited the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), saying that these respirators and masks with exhalation valve allows the escape of unfiltered exhaled air from a person. Thus, creating a huge risk for people in close contact with a person who has potentially infective respiratory droplets.
To reduce the risk of transmission, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Makati Medical Center will not allow anyone in the hospital to use respirators or face masks with exhalation valve.
