A Review of 2020 State and DC Face Mask Guidelines for U.S. Healthcare Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study reviewed state and District of Columbia (DC) health department guidelines for the use of face masks by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic via an October 2020 internet search and compared these guidelines to those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines varied between states and DC with respect to N95 face mask and surgical mask use, as well as to extended use and re-use of N95 masks. Uniform guidance based on emerging evidence should be required for creating policy and procedures for healthcare workers during this and future pandemics.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• face masks
• healthcare workers
• personal protective equipment
• health department

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest or financial interests associated with the writing and submission of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have no sources of funding to report in the preparation of this manuscript.