WARMC Updates Mask-wearing Requirements Based on CDC Guidance
10/11/2022
Bullhead City -- Western Arizona Regional Medical Center is no longer requiring masks to be worn in the hospital facility or its clinics, effective Sept. 26, with few exceptions. This policy change aligns with updated guidance for healthcare providers, released by the Center for Disease Control late Friday evening.
“Until the updated CDC was released, we have implemented mandatory masking at WARMC in order to protect our workforce and patients from the unnecessary spread of Covid-19. WARMC is the community's leader in providing high acuity healthcare services and we needed to keep our workforce safe and available to continue providing those services throughout the pandemic,” said Brent Parsons, WARMC Chief Executive Officer. “This weekend, however, the CDC has updated their guidance to allow hospitals to review their masking policies based on local factors. After consulting various clinical and infection control leaders, we have determined WARMC will no longer require universal masking for employees, visitors, and vendors at our facility and clinics.”
Per the CDC’s latest guidelines, mask requirements are dependent on the community transmission level of Covid-19. At this time, the community transmission level is moderate. The CDC recommendation is that if a community transmission level is “Low,” “Moderate,” or “Substantial” healthcare facilities may choose not to require masks, in most circumstances.
Masking will continue to be required in special circumstances, within the hospital setting, to include individuals:
- Working in areas with patients who have suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19 or other respiratory infections;
- Those who have had close contact with someone who has had Covid-19 within the past 10 days;
- Healthcare workers and visitors may choose to continue wearing masks at their own discretion.
“We encourage WARMC staff and the community to wear masks if you feel comfortable doing so, as defined under the CDC’s special circumstances,” Parsons said.
If the community transmission rate returns to a “High” level, masking requirements will be reinstated at WARMC and its clinical facilities, within clearly defined patient areas, per the CDC guidelines.
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