Mask Use Among Health Care Workers and Feelings of Safety at Work Pre- and Post- COVID-19 Vaccine

Background: Correct mask use can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and hospitals require correct mask use. Despite this, there is variation in mask use among health care workers (HCW). Incorrect mask use may lead to increased infections and decreased feelings of safety. The purpose of this study was to determine variation in mask use among HCW, as well as feelings of safety from exposure to COVID-19 when around colleagues before and after vaccine roll out. Methods: This study used direct observation to assess mask use in patient facing areas before and after COVID-19 vaccine. A staff survey was used to assess feelings of safety. Results: Over 1,600 mask observations showed increased compliance from 94.6% to 97.5% (p = 0.001). Three hundred survey responses showed significantly increased feelings of safety (p