UC Health Renews Mask Mandate for Employees in Response to Rise in Respiratory Virus Infections
CINCINNATI (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER) – In light of a recent surge in respiratory virus infections in Greater Cincinnati, UC Health has announced that it will be reinstating a mandate for all employees and clinicians to wear masks when interacting with patients.
The new masking policy is set to go into effect on Monday and will remain in place until the end of the spring, which marks the conclusion of respiratory illness season. During this time, viruses that cause respiratory diseases tend to circulate more heavily within communities, making it crucial for healthcare facilities to take extra precautions.
According to a statement released by UC Health, the policy will affect various areas within their facilities, including inpatient rooms, patient exam rooms, registration areas, front desks, and health unit coordinator desks at nursing stations. Additionally, employees will be required to wear disposable paper masks while transporting patients within UC Health hospitals.
While the use of masks is not mandatory in non-patient-facing nursing stations, cafeterias, and lobbies, it is strongly recommended for employees to wear them in these areas as well.
“It is our duty to protect all of our patients, including the most vulnerable, and this step is an important way to prevent the spread of diseases, including but not limited to influenza, COVID-19, and RSV,” the statement reads.
The decision to reinstate the mask mandate comes as healthcare providers across the country continue to grapple with the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resurgence of other respiratory illnesses.
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