I’m guessing the mask may not be the protection they think it is
or
the virus is spreading through the air to the room where they are undressing
As an EMT who is on duty right now, I am not please to hear this. Another reason to retire.
I wonder if these suits they are referring to as “haz-mat” are the real haz-mat suits my husband had to train in for work. I doubt it. Real haz-mat gear is impervious, no seams, boots and gloves attached too, I believe. Respirator on your back, you get enclosed in this by another person and the purpose of it is to go into an area where there is stuff that can kill you if you breathe it.
I don’t believe they are using real haz-mat gear. Highly impractical, expensive and a real inconvenience to work in.
What is probably used is a type of gown similar to the ones worn in the operating room that do breathe a bit, have knit cuffs and you put gloves on that go up over the cuffs. Neck ties, mask, maybe a pant or leg cover element too. Lots of chances for contamination if this bug is small enough to go through the fabrics. I also think that it is airborne.