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.
