Masking Update for all Catholic Health Associates

As a follow-up to last week’s masking memo, Niagara County has now fallen below the CDC COVID-19 threshold. Therefore, associates, visitors, and patients no longer have to wear masks in any Catholic Health Hospital, Long Term Care facility, or Home Care setting in Erie and Niagara Counties, with two exceptions:

• Associates who have not received a flu vaccine must continue to wear a mask until the NYS Commissioner of Health declares flu season is over.
  
• Associates on any long term care or subacute unit where a COVID case is present.

Respiratory protection remains a critical part of universal precautions. Healthcare workers should use appropriate PPE when interacting with anyone who exhibits signs or symptoms of a potentially contagious respiratory condition, including COVID-19.

Masking is still needed for anyone entering our facilities who has ended isolation for COVID-19 up to 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

Lastly, healthcare workers may continue to mask at their own discretion when working in any Catholic Health facility.

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