To: State of Maine Supervisors
From: Breena Bissell, Director of the Bureau of Human Resources & Jaime Schorr, J.D., M.B.A., Director of Procurement Services
Date: January 27, 2022
RE: PPE for State employees
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[NOTE: More stringent expectations apply for healthcare and corrections settings; the below information does not apply to those groups.]
In light of the U.S. CDC’s recent statements about the importance of the fit and function of face masks and their effectiveness against the Omicron variant, we have received a one-time allotment of N95s for use by State employees. Quantities are limited, though we hope this supply will last at least through the current Omicron surge.
The U.S. CDC now recommends that individuals “consider the situation and other factors when choosing a mask or respirator that offers greater protection.” The U.S. CDC guidance is available here.
Additionally, there continues to be a supply of surgical masks and other PPE available to State employees.
Work rules require masks are worn by any employee not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 when working indoors (including inside vehicles), as well as within publicly accessible buildings consistent with municipal requirements.
This week or next, supervisors should compile an order for any N95s, surgical masks, or other PPE for their teams:
- Check in with your employees to see if they would like you to order PPE for their use, including surgical and/or N95 masks. Employees are not required to use State-issued PPE.
- Finalize an order. Supervisors should try not to piecemeal their orders and, instead, put together a comprehensive order for their team. This will allow for ease of delivery via State Postal or other mail carrier. Note: Since quantities of N95s are limited, please order only for employees who request them and please order no more than five N95s per requesting employee.
- Place an order by working with your Department’s procurement lead, who can input your order via LilyPad.
- Orders will be delivered as quickly as possible. There is no cost to agencies for in-stock N95s or other PPE at this time, while supplies last.
Once delivered, surgical masks and N95s can be worn immediately. Please share with your teams the U.S. CDC’s Guide to Masks, which offers tips for safety and comfort. For employees who receive N95s, it is important to ensure a proper fit; share this video and factsheet demonstrating how to determine if the N95 fits properly and how to properly put on and take off.
Surgical masks and N95s can generally be worn for quite some time, and should be discarded when they are dirty, damaged, or difficult to breathe through. The rule of thumb for non-healthcare and non-corrections settings is to wear the same mask until soiled or the ear bands become inelastic.
Thank you.