IPC Update

Nov. 2, 2020 | Health, Safety & Environment Coordinator

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Dear Staff, Faculty and Students,

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has some grim warnings for us after seeing the highest case numbers in Alberta since the pandemic was declared. Community spread of COVID-19 is happening at an alarming rate. This means we must remain VIGILANT to ensure we are following all of the IPC safeguards we have in place both at work and at home.

**FYI - We will be discontinuing measuring temperature as part of our screening process to align with the scientific evidence regarding COVID-19 symptoms and with AHS screening processes. **

LET’S CELEBRATE OUR SUCCESSES!

Success #1: You’ve been doing great with remembering to remove soiled gowns before heading into radiology and/or the labs. 

Success #2: You’ve been cleaning your hands! Remember that hand hygiene is the cornerstone of all our IPC efforts so keep on cleaning your hands in each moment of hand hygiene. 

The Four Moments of Hand Hygiene are: 1) Upon entering the operatory 2)  Immediately prior to donning gloves 3)  Immediately after doffing gloves, gown, head & face PPE 4)  Prior to leaving the operatory

TIME TO GET TO WORK…

Here are some questions that we’ve received throughout the week. For answers to these questions and many more, please visit our IPC FAQ page. 

• Why aren’t we measuring temperature for staff and students during their daily Fit for Work screening?

• Oh No!! I’m not feeling well, what do I do now?

• I’m confused about when we need to wear a head cover, can you please clarify?

• I’ve seen some staff and students leaving the clinic with scrubs on but I thought that was a no-no… when should we change out of our scrubs and why?

• Safety Glass or Face Shield - how to choose?

• My face shield is all cloudy and scratched, what am I doing wrong?

• What is a Point of Care Risk Assessment?

Have IPC Questions, Concerns or Positive Comments? Email dentIPC@ualberta.ca.

Sincerely,
Dr. Khaled Altabtbaei, IPC Officer
Ronna Richardson-Lozano, IPC Coordinator