NYMC > About NYMC > Policies > COVID-19 Mask PPE and Distancing

COVID-19 Policy On Masks, Personal Protective Equipment and Physical Distancing Requirements

Issue Date: April 17, 2023
Supersedes: November 30, 2021, September 7, 2022, January 17, 2023
Last Review: April 5,  2023

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the use of masks, personal protective equipment, and physical distancing while in New York Medical College (“NYMC”) or Touro College of Dental Medicine (“TCDM”) facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

II. SCOPE

This policy applies to all individuals accessing the NYMC and TCDM campus other than NYMC student housing.  This policy does not apply to NYMC student housing property.  For policies applicable to NYMC student housing, please refer to the Student Housing Handbook.

III. DEFINITIONS 

  1. Eye Protection: Goggles or a face shield.  (Glasses do not constitute eye protection.)
  2. Face Mask: A surgical face mask or multi-layer cloth face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
  3. New York Medical College COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: NYMC currently requires primary COVID-19 vaccination plus at least one booster vaccine. See related policies.
  4. N95 respirator: A respirator that filters 95% of particles of size 0.5 microns or less.  This respirator must be fit-tested to ensure fit and performance with the above standard.
  5. Primary COVID-19 Vaccination: Receipt of a complete series (if more than one dose is indicated for the vaccine) of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by FDA for either use or by Emergency Use Authorization, and at least two weeks have passed since the second dose in a two dose series, or at least two weeks following receipt of one dose of a single dose vaccine.
  6. PPE: Personal protective equipment used to prevent transmission of communicable diseases.
  7. Physical Distancing: Maintenance of at least 6 feet of space between persons to prevent transmission of respiratory infectious agents that can spread from person to person within that distance.

IV. POLICY

Well-fitting Facemask Required (Covers Nose and Mouth)

  • Areas where health care is delivered including:
    • Touro Dental Health, Family Health Center, NYMC Health Services and the Clinical Trials Unit in accordance with procedures for the unit.
    • An N95 respirator or well- fitting surgical facemask is required for direct patient care in accordance with the need for droplet or airborne protection.
  • Anytime one develops symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection.   Before leaving campus a well-fitting facemask is to be worn.
  • For 10 days following confirmed infection even if isolation is complete at five days.
  • For the 10 days following known SARS-CoV-2 exposure.
  • Dental simulation lab
  • Anatomy Lab
  • Clinical Skills and Simulation exam suite at 7 Dana Road

A cloth face mask can be worn only if it is over a surgical face mask.

N95 Respirator Required
Any patient encounter in which an aerosolizing procedure may be performed.
  1. A well-fitting face mask continues to be one of the simplest measures to reduce transmission of respiratory pathogens. Please keep a face mask with you to use as needed. 
  2. Appropriate screening of patients for symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 is an essential component of infection control measures needed to reduce transmission.
  3. PPE is required in patient care settings, in accordance with the Infection Control guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At NYMC/ TCDM this also includes:
    1. Simulated patient care settings and the dental simulation lab.
    2. The anatomy lab due to the close proximity for prolonged periods.
  4. Specific PPE:
    1. A fit tested N-95 respirator is required instead of a facemask for any patient encounter in which it is anticipated that aerosols will be generated.
    2. Eye protection is also required for aerosol-generating procedures.
    3. In situations in which SARS-CoV-2 infection is strongly suspect (eg, patient with symptoms consistent with SARS-CoV-2) an N-95 respirator, eye protection and gowns are indicated.
  5. Physical Distancing remains a potential useful infection control measure for immune suppressed persons and persons at high risk for complications of COVID-19.

    1. Students who need arrangements to maintain Physical Distancing should contact the course instructor/director or the program director.
    2. Employees who need arrangements to maintain Physical Distancing should contact their supervisor or the Office of Human Resources.
  6. Nothing in this policy prevents supervisory faculty and staff from requiring PPE for any activity on campus, as appropriate for the safety of activity participants. (g. in small group laboratory work).
  7. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, dismissal from an academic program, and/or prohibition of access to campus.

V. RELATED POLICIES

    1. Students – Covid-19 Student Protocol For Exposure, Confirmed Or Suspect Infection
    2. Employees – Employee Requirements for COVID-19 Exposure, Infection, Suspect Infection
    3. Campus Wide
      1. Mandatory Campus Covid‐19 Vaccination
      2. Policy on Mandatory Campus COVID-19 Vaccination
      3. Campus Access During The Covid-19 Pandemic

VI. EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy is effective immediately.

VII. POLICY MANAGEMENT

Executive Stakeholder: Director, Health Services
Oversight Office:  Department of Health Services