Mask Policy

Masking Procedure at Excela Health

Effective 12/29/2023

The safety of our patients, visitors, and employees remains our top concern. COVID-19 transmission in this county has decreased and our mask policy has de-escalated. Viral respiratory infections like the flu, RSV and COVID-19 are on the rise.

Patient and Visitor Masking:

• Masking is required around patients most vulnerable to infection.
• Masks are available. All patients and visitors are permitted and encouraged to mask if they chose.
• Patients may request hospital staff to wear masks.
• Patients and Visitors must mask if experiencing any upper respiratory symptoms – sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and any other flu-like illness.
• Please defer non-urgent appointments or visits if you have any of the following:
  • Suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
  • Recent exposure, within 10 days, of someone with COVID-19.

Staff Masking:

• Masking is required in the presence of an immunocompromised patient regardless of location.
• Masks must be worn if requested by patients.
• Masks must be worn if experiencing any upper respiratory symptoms – sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and any other flu-like illness.
• Masks must be worn per the direction of Employee Health and Infection Control post exposure or during an outbreak.

Influenza Season:

• Any employee, physician, volunteer, student, contractor or vendor who did NOT receive the flu vaccine MUST wear a surgical or isolation mask after entering any Independence Health System facility and before leaving any lobby/vestibule area of the facility or entering the physician office setting during flu season.
  • The mask must remain on at all times while at work with the exception of eating in the cafeteria. This policy is in effect until the flu season ends, at which time we will announce Mask Off.