Maui Health CEO Explains Mask Policy at Hospital and Efforts to Ensure Safety at the Facility

Maui Now’s Wendy Osher interviews Maui Health CEO Mike Rembis.  We ask about the hospital’s policy on masks for health care workers, as well as the current state of supplies and equipment for the Maui facility.

Below are some of the questions that were addressed:

• In light of the recent report of the cluster at Maui Health, what is being done immediately to ensure the safety of workers, patients and the community?
• Hindsight is 20/20: Anything you wish could have happened last month to prevent the current cluster being reported at the Maui hospital?
• We’ve been getting lots of inquiries about hospital workers being told to remove their medical grade N95 mask and use an inferior surgical mask before entering the hospital or face suspension and potentially be fired.  Is this true? If so, what is the reasoning?
• Can you provide a status update on supplies/equipment for COVID-19 response, including PPEs, ventilators and beds; as well as any updates regarding Army Corps efforts for establishing an alternate care facility?