The Salisbury VA Health Care System says it’s implementing 100% universal masking Thursday.

In a news release, the Salisbury VA said all people entering its facilities are encouraged to bring their own face covering or they may be provided one for the duration of their time on campus. All staff, trainees, volunteers, veterans, inpatient residents and visitors are required to wear a face covering during their time at the facility.

The change is part of the Veterans Health Administration’s source control efforts to safeguard veterans and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the VA conducted a study for COVID-19 on veterans and staff living and working in Community Living Centers and Spinal Cord Injury Units. The study identified several facilities nationwide with asymptomatic, COVID-19 positive veterans and staff. As a result of these findings, the Veterans Health Administration as a whole will institute source control masking measures, a news release said.

Source control for a health care facility involves the use of a face covering on all individuals entering a facility, whether employees, patients or visitors. Face coverings are normally cloth and must cover the mouth and nose, fit snugly, allow for breathing without restriction and be laundered daily.

A news release said individuals should be careful when removing their face covering and not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth when removing the face covering. Individuals should wash their hands immediately after removing their face covering.  Information on face coverings from the CDC can be found here at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.