UPMC is putting a mask mandate back into effect later this week for all its facilities, including one in Indiana.
The masking policy will take effect this Wednesday and it is unclear how long this mandate will be in place. The policy was reinstated after the hospital saw increases in cases of Covid-19, influenza, RSV and other ailments. In a statement, UPMC officials say they are seeing increases in those diseases and are doing this to protect the health and safety of their employees, patients and visitors. Everyone in their facilities will be required to wear an effective mask which reduces transmission of respiratory viruses in health care settings.
The policy was last lifted in May of this year in most areas as cases declined. UPMC will be keeping track of the situation and make further protocol changes when needed.
The mask mandate is only for UPMC Facilities, including the Hillman Cancer Center in Indiana, and that mandate does not extend to Indiana Regional Medical Center itself. As for IRMC, they have no plans to make masking a requirement, but they also are monitoring the situation and are asking those who come to the hospital to exercise best judgement if they are sick or have been close to someone who has been sick. If you are visiting the room of a covid positive patient, proper personal protection equipment is required.
