We have been fielding call and emails regarding the Public Health Order that came out yesterday. There is a section in this order that changed/clarified the mask order for healthcare settings as it relates to patients and visitors.
That section of the new Public Heath Order states:
I. COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
A. FACE COVERINGS
1. Face coverings are required for certain individuals, age twelve (12) and older, in the following settings:
f. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated patients, visitors, and personnel in emergency medical and other healthcare settings (including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, urgent care centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, and non-urgent care medical structures).
The previous order encouraged masks for unvaccinated patients and visitors. We recommend that offices determine what its current mask policy is going to be at this time, based on the current guidance and requirements stated above. There is nothing to prevent a practice from keeping a mandatory mask policy in place for all patients, visitors and personnel.
Local Public Heath Orders
If your local Public Health Department has a more restrictive health order in place, practices should follow that.