Mask and Facial Covering Policy

Last updated: August 2023

It is the policy of Midway Specialty Care Center to provide a safe environment for patients and employees. The wearing of masks is an integral factor in preventing the spread of respiratory infections.

1. All employees are encouraged to wear masks when in close contact with patients/clients.
   1. Surgical masks or reusable cloth face coverings are indicated for non-clinical personnel.
   2. Clinical personnel should wear a well fitting surgical mask OR an N95 type mask. These will be provided at each location.
   3. Employees must wear masks when an employee is:
      1. Conducting sterile procedures
      2. Working in a sterile area
      3. Working with a patient whose treating health care practitioner has diagnosed the patient with or confirmed a condition affecting the immune system in a manner which is known to increase risk of transmission of an infection from employees without signs or symptoms of infection to a patient and whose treating practitioner has determined that the use of facial coverings is necessary for the patient's safety.
      4. With a patient on droplet or airborne isolation, or
      5. Engaging in non-clinical potentially hazardous activities that require facial coverings to prevent physical injury or harm in accordance with industry standards.
2. Patients/clients will be asked to wear a mask upon arrival at any Midway facility under the following circumstances:
   1. If the patient/client has any of the following symptoms:
      1. Cough
      2. Fever
      3. Breathlessness
      4. Skin rash
   2. When the risk of hospital admissions for communicable respiratory illnesses is "medium" or "high" in the area based on Florida Department of Health Weekly and Bi-Weekly Surveillance Reports.
3. Midway reserves the right to refuse accommodation for patients who exhibit any signs and or symptoms of respiratory infection and refuse to wear a mask when asked to do so.