Important Recommendation re: Masking at Work

OHSU is currently experiencing a high rate of employee COVID-19 infections, and regular medical-grade masks may not be adequate to limit workplace spread. In response, earlier this evening, the Oregon Nurses Association advised their represented employees at OHSU to wear N95 masks at at all times while on duty. 

Like ONA, AFSCME Local 328 wants our represented employees and others to stay healthy and do what they can to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to coworkers, patients and family members. As a labor union, we always advocate for workplace safety, and we will continue to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

OHSU strongly recommends that employees wear N95 masks in all patient-care interactions. We advise our represented employees to wear N95 masks at work for their safety, regardless of their job at OHSU; ask your manager for an N95 mask if you feel one is needed. Please also stay diligent about physical distancing, hand-washing, etc. 

Governor Kate Brown has again deployed the Oregon National Guard to support hospital workers during the omicron-variant surge. We hope that this additional logistical support will ease the burden of frontline workers at OHSU. ONA has asked Oregon’s hospital administrators to take additional action to slow COVID infection rates in the workplace, including to increase staff testing, limit hospital visitors, increase entry-point screenings and provide prompt exposure notification to staff. 

Local 328 will share further information as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please reach out.