We recently updated our mask policy to align with updated CDC guidance that indicates which healthcare facilities may need to require universal masking for clinicians, patients, and visitors.
This guidance is based on CDC’s community transmission levels, which are subject to change. To make it easy for employees to find that information, we’ve added the CDC’s community transmission county check tool to our website, linked here.
It’s also available by clicking on the image below, which can also be found on the intranet home page.
As a reminder, below is our current mask policy:
Where masks are required
Employees who work in facilities located in counties that are labeled high transmission (red) must wear face masks when they are in areas where they could encounter patients or visitors. Visitors at those facilities will also be required to wear masks.
Where masks are recommended, but not required
Employees who work in counties that are labeled as substantial (orange) or moderate (yellow) do not need to wear face masks unless required per the isolation status of a patient whose room they are entering if they:
- Do not have suspected or a confirmed COVID-19 infection or other respiratory infection;
- Have not had close contact or a high-risk exposure to someone with a COVID-19 infection for 10 days after their exposure;
- Do not reside or work on a unit or area of the facility experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak; and
- Have not otherwise had source control recommended by public health authorities.
Patients and visitors at Kettering Health facilities in counties with substantial or moderate transmission levels no longer need to wear a mask unless they have symptoms related to COVID-19, including fever and cough, or if they have had recent exposure to an individual who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.