Mountain Health Network facilities continue COVID-19 mask requirements

As part of its commitment to the health care of the community, as well as the safety of patients and employees, Mountain Health Network (MHN) is continuing to require all visitors to its facilities to wear a mask for the duration of their visit, regardless of vaccination status. This requirement is in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations updated May 13, in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

While the CDC has relaxed recommendations for the general public who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, those recommendations do not apply to healthcare settings. According to the CDC, healthcare facilities should continue to follow all current COVID-19 infection prevention and control recommendations, including the use of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

 “Guidance for the general public is not intended to be guidance for healthcare facilities where extra precautions are necessary to protect our patient population,” said Hoyt Burdick, MD, chief medical officer, MHN. “For the safety of those patients, as well as the safety of our staff, we are continuing to require that everyone inside our facilities wear a mask. We thank everyone for your cooperation and understanding as we continue to work to keep our patients, staff and visitors safer.”

MHN officials continue to urge everyone who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as vaccination is the most effective defense against the disease. For more information about the vaccine and MHN visitation guidelines, visit www.mountainhealthnetwork.org/coronavirus.