Maine is experiencing a rise in the number of Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV cases. Several healthcare facilities within Maine have adopted mandatory masking policies for their facilities. This reflects a proactive approach to limiting the spread of respiratory illnesses and ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. These respiratory illnesses pose a heightened risk to vulnerable populations and EMS clinicians. We are issuing updated masking guidance to mitigate the spread of these illnesses and maintain the safety of both EMS clinicians and the communities we serve.
- Masking During Patient Interactions:
- EMS clinicians are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when interacting with patients who exhibit symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing, fever, shortness of breath, or nasal congestion.
- Adherence to Local Agency Policies:
- Follow all local agency policies regarding masking requirements and infection control practices.
- Hospital Masking Guidance:
- Adhere to masking guidance provided by hospitals when transferring or receiving patients. Be prepared to adjust practices as needed to align with facility-specific requirements.
- Infection Control Best Practices:
- Regularly sanitize hands and equipment between patient encounters.
- Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the clinical scenario.
Maine EMS and the MDPB continue to monitor this situation and will continue to work with agencies as this issue develops. For further questions, please contact Maine EMS Staff at maine.ems@maine.gov. You can also contact any MDPB member. Please visit the US CDC Respiratory Virus Activity Levels site for additional information about respiratory virus activity levels in Maine.
2025-01-23-01 Masking Guidance (PDF) (1/23/25)