Independence Health, UPMC ‘strongly encouraging’ masking
The UPMC health network has implemented a “strategic masking” policy at all hospitals and outpatient facilities on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in response to increases in respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, RSV and influenza.
According to a statement from UPMC, masking is not mandatory for the moment, but is strongly encouraged.
“To protect the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors, everyone in our health care facilities is strongly encouraged to wear effective masks, which reduce transmission of respiratory viruses in health care settings,” reads a statement from UPMC.
UPMC has numerous hospitals and outpatient centers dotted throughout Western Pennsylvania, including the UPMC Passavant hospital in Cranberry Township.
UPMC is following the lead of Independence Health System, which implemented a “targeted masking policy” that took effect Jan. 23. Independence Health System includes Butler Memorial Hospital and Clarion Hospital.
While Independence Health is not requiring masking for everyone, patients and staff will be required or encouraged to wear masks under certain circumstances.
Staff will be required to wear masks when patients specifically request them to, or in the presence of immunocompromised patients. Patients are encouraged, and staff are required, to mask up if they are experiencing any respiratory symptoms.
In addition, patients are encouraged to defer all nonurgent visits if they have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to someone who has.
Allegheny Health Network, which also operates some facilities in Butler County, has not changed its masking policy, according to a spokesperson. However, due to the rise in respiratory illnesses, they are “strongly encouraging” masking in their facilities.
