UPMC officials confirmed the mask mandate, that was reinstated on Dec. 20, 2023, will be lifted at all UPMC facilities.

“UPMC will no longer require masking for all in our facilities, effective Feb. 29,” said UPMC in a statement. “This is a result of a sustained decrease in COVID-19, influenza and RSV transmission and people being hospitalized.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the amount of hospitalizations in Pennsylvania due to COVID-19 were roughly cut in half since January.

On Jan. 6, there were 1,585 emergency room admissions due to COVID-19 compared to 763 admissions on Feb. 17, the most recent data available.

Cases of influenza and RSV have also dropped significantly in Pennsylvania since January.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there were 12,737 reported cases of reported influenza on Dec. 30. The number dwindled to 5,394 by Feb. 24, the most recent data available.

RSV cases also dropped from 4,925 to 803 during that same time period.

According to the statement by UPMC, the hospital will still be exercising caution when it comes to air-borne transmitted viruses.

“Each virus is still present in our communities and can infect, creating difficulties for some,” the statement said. “Staff, patients, support persons and visitors are still encouraged to wear masks and some specific locations may require masking.”