Source Control / Mask Policy

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL GUIDELINES

COVID-19 and other Respiratory Infections

Current CDC Guidelines (27 Sept 2022)

1. When SARS-CoV2 Community Transmission rate is high: EVERYONE in the Healthcare setting should take source control measures, including wearing a well-fitted mask.
2. When SARS-CoV2 Community Transmission Rate is not high: Source control – wearing a mask - should be REQUIRED in the health care setting for
3. Suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV2 or other respiratory infection
4. Individual with close contact or high-risk exposure to someone with SARS-CoV2 infection
5. Individuals residing or working in a unit or area where a recent SARS-CoV2 outbreak occurred
6. Source Control – wearing a mask – is RECOMMENDED in the health care setting for the following high risk individuals and patients regardless of the Community Transmission Rate:
7. Age > 50 years
8. Undergoing active cancer treatment
9. Active leukemia or lymphoma with or without treatment
10. Organ transplant patient
11. Treatment with CAR-T Cells or Stem Cell transplant within the past 2 years
12. Primary immune deficiency disease
13. Advanced or untreated HIV infection
14. The following medications:
    1. High dose steroids equal to 20mg/day Prednisone for 2 or more weeks
    2. Cyclophosphamide or Chlorambucil
    3. Methotrexate or Leflunomide
    4. Immunosuppressive drugs including Azathioprine, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Prograf
    5. Cancer chemotherapy drugs
    6. TNF inhibitors: Enbrel, Humira, Cimzia, Simponi, Infliximab and biosimilars
    7. Other biologic agents including:
       1. Taltz, Cosentyx and any other IL-17 inhibitors
       2. Stelara, Tremfya, Skyrizi, Ilumya or other IL-12/23 inhibitors
       3. JAK-inhibitors: Xeljanz, Olumiant, Rinvoq
       4. IL-6 inhibitors: Actemra, Kevzara
       5. T-cell modulators: Orencia
       6. B-cell modulators: Rituximab, Benlysta
       7. INF alpha Receptor 1 inhibitor: Saphnelo

ALL PATIENTS AND STAFF ARE ALSO ADVISED TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH COVID-19 VACCINATION INCLUDING BOOSTERS, AVOID POORLY VENTILATED OR CROWDED INDOOR SETTINGS, AND WASH HANDS OFTEN.

CURRENT BEXAR COUNTY COVID-19 TRANSMISSION RATE:  LOW