Masks, screening still required for hospital visitors

Thursday, July 29, 2021

McCOOK, Nebraska—Although most people have shed the masks they were wearing earlier in the  COVID pandemic, Community Hospital wants to remind people, masks and screening are still required by regulation for visitors, patients and employees at Community Hospital—even if they have been vaccinated.

“We are seeking to remind those who have gotten used to going mask-free that the rules still apply,” said Molly Herzberg, Vice President of Patient Care Services. “It’s challenging being one of the only organizations still requiring masks. The public is used to everywhere else going mask-free, but when they come here, they have to mask.”

The requirements are based on several federal rules. Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, call on hospital staff, patients and visitors to wear masks in patient-care areas regardless of vaccination status.

The CDC determined fully vaccinated people could go mask-free in most other indoor and outdoor settings, but there were some exceptions, such as for healthcare and public transportation (planes, trains and buses).

Most recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also issued an emergency temporary standard for health care facilities that included required mask wearing, which was intended to protect employees.

Because they don’t regularly wear masks elsewhere, Herzberg said some people forget about the masking requirement at Community Hospital. When patients and visitors arrive at the hospital, the patient transporter and admissions staff at the front entrance and the emergency room entrance will remind them of the mask requirement if they don’t arrive with one, and assist them with the screening process using a screening kiosk.

Hospital staff appreciates the public being respectful to Community Hospital employees as they seek to help everyone follow hospital regulations.

“Wearing masks at the hospital not only keeps our staff and visitors safe, but also protects our vulnerable patients who may be immunocompromised,” Herzberg said.

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