UR Medicine/St. James Hospital Masking Update
Thursday, February 23, 2023
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has updated guidance for the use of face masks and face coverings for COVID-19 in healthcare settings. Advising all healthcare systems to develop and implement a masking plan for staff and visitors at their facilities based on the CDC and DOH recommendations, which includes COVID-19 and uses transmission levels as a minimum threshold.
Considering the substantial COVID-19 transmission rates in Steuben County and active flu season UR Medicine/St. James Hospital will continue universal masking for patients, visitors, and employees in all clinical areas. Continuing to mask will help protect and prevent the spread to higher-risk patients.
“Over the past three years, universal masking in clinical care areas has proven enormously beneficial at reducing the spread of COVID and other infectious diseases in the hospital, where many patients are medically vulnerable.” said Katie White, St. James Hospital Infection Preventionist “It’s encouraging that COVID is less of a threat than before, but it does remain a threat.”
In accordance with the DOH and UR Medicine/St. James Hospital will continue universal masking in clinical areas.
Employee and Staff Masking Policy:
- Employees/staff must wear a Hospital issued mask in all clinical areas or areas where patients will be encountered.
- Employees/staff who are unvaccinated for the flu must wear a mask in all clinical areas or areas where patients will be encountered.
Patient and Visitor Masking Policy:
- A Hospital-issued mask (will be provided) must be worn at all times throughout the St. James Hospital Facility.
- Individuals who are sick or suspected of having COVID may not visit.
“We hope that once our COVID transmission rates reduce and flu rates decline, we can reevaluate and lift masks in the future.” said Katie White “Until then, we respectfully ask all visitors, staff members, and patients to continue masking in all clinical care areas.”