masks

Horizon is reintroducing masking in clinical areas to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.

According to a press release, as of Wednesday, the health network will require all health care workers, patients, social visitors, and designated support persons to wear medical-grade masks in all patient-facing/clinical areas.

Horizon said respiratory virus activity and transmission are currently within normal levels, but is reintroducing masking as a preventative measure, since virus activity historically begins to increase this time of year.

This means medical-grade face masks must now be worn at all times in all inpatient units, outpatient/ambulatory care clinics, emergency departments, and any other clinic setting, including waiting areas.

Masks will not be required in non-clinical areas, such as lobbies, hallways, or cafeterias, but said medical-grade masks will remain available in all Horizon facilities for those who wish to wear one at any time.

Horizon will also place signs to help patients, visitors and designated support people know when masks are required and when they are optional.

The health network added that other practices to help reduce the transmission of illness — like required self-screening — will remain in place.

More information on Horizon’s masking guidance, self-screening, and which Horizon hospital units are experiencing outbreaks of respiratory illnesses can be found on their website.