Are masks still required in Lexington clinics and hospitals? Here’s what to know
All but two Kentucky counties were at low COVID-19 community levels in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest update, and some local hospitals have adjusted masking requirements recently.
Here’s what to know about masking at clinics and hospitals in the Lexington area. This story may be updated with information about additional facilities.
Masking at UKHealthCare
UKHealthCare officials moved into phase two of its COVID de-escalation plan Monday, and masks are no longer required in public areas and hallways of hospitals, with some exceptions. Patients are required to wear a mask if they’re experiencing respiratory symptoms.
Masks will be required for patients and staff for “patient-facing encounters in all areas,” UK officials said in an April 14 email. Staff who have not been vaccinated against influenza will continue to be required to wear masks.
The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and Neonatal Unit will continue to have flu restrictions until the end of flu season, which is usually at the beginning of May, the statement continued.
Additionally, the transplant and oncology clinics will still require masking through flu season.
Baptist Health Lexington
Baptist Health Lexington dropped its universal mask requirement March 24.
“Masking will continue in appropriate settings where necessary for droplet or airborne precautions,” the statement said. “Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly encouraged. Check Vaccinefinder.org for a vaccine near you.”
More information about Baptist Health Lexington policies is available online.
CHI Saint Joseph Health policies
Patients, visitors and staff are not required to wear masks at CHI Saint Joseph Health except in certain areas of the hospital, spokesperson Mary Branham said in an email to the Herald-Leader. Areas where masks are required include “respiratory/droplet/airborne isolation areas,” Branham said.
Any patient or visitor who is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness is encouraged to wear a mask.
“Staff who have not received an influenza vaccination must wear a mask throughout flu season, in accordance with hospital policy,” Branham said.
CHI Saint Joseph’s current masking policy has been in effect since March 20.
“The community spread of COVID has dropped significantly across Kentucky, and serious cases needing hospital admission have dropped even more,” CHI Saint Joseph Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Goulson wrote in a statement. “We made this change based on input from our physicians and on the decrease of COVID-19 in the U.S. and within our health care ministry.”
St. Claire HealthCare requirements
St. Claire HealthCare officials announced March 30 masks are no longer required in the facility’s waiting rooms, hallways, administrative areas, gift shop or cafeteria.
Masks are still required for patients, staff and visitors in clinical areas, including exam rooms, patient care units, procedural areas, diagnostic imaging sites and “other areas identified by clinical leadership.”
Signs will be posted in areas where masks are required, the statement said, and anyone experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness are encouraged to wear masks around others.
“The clinical leadership of SCH will continue to closely monitor COVID activity in the communities they serve and will adjust the masking requirement as necessary,” the St. Claire HealthCare statement said. “As always, SCH is dedicated to keeping its patients, visitors, and staff safe.”
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This story was originally published April 13, 2023 at 2:04 PM.
