West Central Reporter

Following a recent announcement from the state of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Public Health related to healthcare facilities, McDonough District Hospital announces a change in policy regarding face coverings.

Aside from a few required situations, MDH has removed all previous masking requirements in public areas. Those public areas apply to: the hospital, Health Services Buildings 1 and 2, MDH Drive-Thru, and all MDH outpatient clinics.

“Recently, the state of Illinois updated its masking and testing requirements for healthcare facilities where face coverings are no longer required. In response to the State of Illinois and IDPH policy, effective immediately McDonough District Hospital will remove all previous masking requirements in public areas,” said MDH Chief Medical Officer Edwin Card, MD. “However, we will continue to mask up in certain situations.”

There are specific situations where face coverings must be worn.

• All staff members when in direct contact with patients in the Emergency Department will still require wearing a face covering.
• All individuals (visitors and employees) in contact with an inpatient must wear a face covering.
• Anyone experiencing COVID-19 or influenza like symptoms must wear a mask at all times.
• Anyone who has been exposed to someone who is ill must wear a mask at all times.

“If the community COVID-19 transmission level increases to High Level, masking requirements hospital-wide may be reinstituted,” said Dr. Card. “Also, any employee or visitor to MDH who wants to continue to wear a face covering are encouraged to do so.”

For more information on current community transmission levels, go to dph.illinois.gov and click on the Illinois COVID-19 updates link.

Original source can be found here.