Due to a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases and other respiratory illness cases within the region, a number of hospitals have reintroduced mandatory mask policies to curb spread. Boston Medical Center has mandated mask-wearing within all patient care areas effective from Friday, following in the footsteps of other health centers such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Beth Israel Lahey Health system (BILH), which have reinstated similar protocols in clinical and public spaces. Dr. Sharon Wright, BILH’s Chief Infection Prevention Officer, assured that the situation would be monitored continuously, and adjustments would be made as necessary.
As the pandemic landscape changes, several hospitals are reinstating these preventive measures. For example, the Cambridge Health Alliance reimposed its mask mandate last September. Also, the UMass Memorial Health has extended its mask mandate to those having any interaction with patients since December 8th. Following the lifting of the Public Health Emergency status for COVID-19, most hospitals had relaxed or completely lifted their mask requirements last spring.
However, there are ongoing state requirements for all healthcare workers to receive their annual flu and COVID vaccinations, barring exemption cases, and for hospitals to provide masks upon request at clinic visits. Moreover, licensed healthcare facilities are required to establish infection prevention and control measures during periods of increased transmission, this includes the implementation of universal masking.
According to Anne Gross, Senior VP for Patient Care Services at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, their decision to reimpose masks was based on specific criteria set last fall. The benchmark was set at a 2% rise in ER visits from illnesses similar to flu, including COVID-19 and RSV. Currently, this percentage approaches 3%. With the regional wastewater testing positive for high levels of COVID-19, Gross claims their proactive approach, despite being ahead of other hospitals, accurately reflects their priorities given their immunocompromised patient demographic.
However, at other hospitals, masking remains discretionary despite officials’ close monitoring. Mass General Brigham, the state’s biggest hospital system, will bring back mask requirements for healthcare staff in direct patient contact once the COVID-19 patient percentage coming to ER or outpatient facilities surpasses 2.85 for two consecutive weeks. Tufts Medical Center’s infectious disease advisory council reviews data weekly, determining ideal times for mask reimposition.
For now, Boston Children’s Hospital does not require masks but makes them available, and vaccinations are mandatory for all staff. They also encourage mask use for anyone presenting respiratory symptoms. Advocacy groups for the elderly, disabled, and chronic illness patients have expressed their concern for these relaxed masking policies, with some urging the reinstatement of stricter rules.
Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/12/21/nation/hospitals-masks-covid-19/