Kettering Health places the highest priority on the safety of our patients, staff, and employees. To that end, we are updating our mask guidance based on the CDC recommendations for counties with substantial or high levels of COVID-19 transmission. Presently, western Ohio is experiencing sharp rises in the incidence rates and hospitalizations from COVID-19. In addition, due to the above and the OSHA Standard, we are reinstituting requirements for social distancing.
Effective August 5, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask while in any Kettering Health facility—this includes inpatient and outpatient areas as well as all non-clinical buildings such as Prestige, the ASB, and the Network Operations Command Center. This also includes conference rooms, physician lounges, and break rooms.
Social distancing must be practiced except when not physically possible while providing direct patient care. This is defined as maintaining 6 feet of separation at work stations, in breakrooms, and in lounges.
Conference rooms will be limited to 50% of the normal seating. Where possible, facilities management will be removing chairs and tables to ensure adherence.
Exceptions to the mask policy include:
· While actively eating or drinking
· When alone in a private office
· With a medical exemption from Employee Health (these individuals must wear a face shield)