Three years ago, when much of the country shut down, health care kept going. Masks have been used to protect everyone through it all. Beginning March 15, Mercy patients and co-workers will see more friendly smiles as they are welcomed to Mercy.
Effective March 15, masking related to COVID-19 precautions will be optional in all Mercy facilities, including clinical spaces.
This includes all co-workers, physicians, providers, patients and visitors in all Mercy communities, unless:
- Symptomatic for COVID or exposed within the last 10 days*
- Clinical space is experiencing a COVID outbreak
- Caring for or visiting patients on isolation (needs will vary based on infection)
- Co-workers who are exempt from Influenza or COVID vaccination (until at least March 31, 2023)
This exciting change is based on new data available and reviews of declining cases across Mercy. However, please remember to be very cautious with new onset symptoms, especially with spring allergy season. Patient screening questions for Covid symptoms will continue and masks will still be available at hospital and clinic entrances.
As always, Mercy remains committed to keeping its patients and co-workers safe. Mercy clinical and infection leaders will continue to review all pertinent data and may need to re-enact masking requirements in the future, when and where it becomes necessary.
