WMTC & COVID-19
Transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases occurs via respiratory droplets through coughing, sneezing, and aerosol clouds. The risk of disease transmission depends on the amount virus in the local community and increases in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces and with the amount of face-to-face skill lab and simulation time. Surgical and cloth masks do not provide adequate protection; buffs and bandanas are essentially useless against all but the largest respiratory droplets. N-95, KN-95, and NF-95 respirators protect both the wearer and others.
At present, we recommend:
- All students and instructors stay up-to-date with their COVID vaccines according to CDC guidelines.
- All students and instructors be vaccinated against the current strain of influenza during the fall, winter, and spring.
- Rescuers consider wearing a N-95, KN-95, or NF-95 during simulations. This will protect both the rescuer(s) and the patient. If you wish to wear a mask or respirator for additional protection, you must provide your own.
- Those at high risk of severe disease should discuss the decision to attend a course with their physician before registering for the course.
- That anyone registering for an in-person course consider purchasing trip insurance in the event that COVID-19 or other covered circumstances impact your participation in the course. There are no refunds once you register and pay for a course.
- That anyone's decision to wear a mask for additional protection during a course is respected.
- Students who are sick or ill (symptomatic) and test positive for COVID to be dismissed from the course.
- Students suffering from seasonal allergies who are actively sneezing and coughing (symptomatic) to take a daily rapid COVID test and wear a N-95, KN-95, and NF-95 respirator during the course.
- Students who test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic to follow the sponsor’s established COVID protocols.
- If someone in the course tests positive, all remaining students in the course will be notified that they have been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 and directed to follow current CDC guidelines.
- That if a course continues after someone in the class tests positive, students and instructors will wear a new N-95, KN-95, or NF-95 respirator each day the course (as specified by current CDC guidelines).
- That students wear gloves (provided) during necessary skill labs and simulations and properly dispose of and wash or sanitize hands immediately afterward.