Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, many healthcare facilities in Upstate New York have resumed mask restrictions, according to medical specialists.
UHS Wilson Medical Center, UHS Binghamton General Hospital, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, and UHS Delaware Valley Hospital, as well as primary and specialty care sites, will require all patients, visitors, employees, medical staff, volunteers, students, and vendors to wear masks in clinical areas beginning immediately due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, according to UHS.
With the number of reported cases of the Delta variant increasing, healthcare groups say they’ve forced to rethink their COVID-19 protocols and take additional precautions. UHS, like other healthcare facilities, including Upstate Medical’s two hospitals, University and Community General, has decided to reintroduce the mask rule in clinical settings.
Regardless of immunization status, everyone in clinical departments is subject to the UHS rule. Masks are required in all clinical locations, including patient registration areas, waiting rooms, testing and treatment spaces, and medical staff conference rooms.
Masks are also required in public spaces at UHS, such as patient care units, provider offices, lobbies, public halls, stairwells, elevators, pedestrian bridges, and cafeterias, unless people are eating or drinking. Masking is not required in non-clinical locations where there is no patient contact.
According to UHS, complimentary masks are available at entry points, and N-95 mask fit-testing is offered for UHS personnel. UHS has stated unequivocally that this policy change is in reaction to the present increase of COVID-19 cases and patterns in the region.
Based on regional data, the UHS leadership team will continue to monitor the situation and make policy changes. Because procedures can change often, UHS encourages its employees to stay up to date on all UHS-mandated vaccines.
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