Masks are no longer required in Illinois healthcare facilities, following an executive order from Gov. JB Pritzker and guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
So local hospitals are updating their mask policies.
At McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, masks are no longer required in public areas as of this week. That includes the hospital building, both health services buildings, outpatient clinics and the drive-thru.
“However, we will continue to mask up in certain situations,” said MDH Chief Medical Officer Edwin Card.
All visitors and employees in contact with inpatients or emergency room patients will still be required to wear masks.
So will anyone experiencing COVID-19 or flu symptoms, or anyone exposed to someone who is sick.
“If the community COVID-19 transmission level increases to High Level, masking hospital-wide may be reinstituted,” Card said.
That’s the case at OSF HealthCare hospitals in Galesburg and Monmouth, since Knox and Warren counties are among three counties statewide at that level per CDC guidelines.
OSF HealthCare implemented its policy last week.
But a spokesperson said they are monitoring levels closely and readjusting as necessary.
In areas in lower transmission levels, OSF staff members who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear masks. Those who aren’t vaccinated must still wear masks at all times, regardless of transmission level.
In addition, visitors are asked mask if they have symptoms or a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.
For now in Galesburg and Monmouth, staff and visitors are asked to mask as they did before.
Masks will continue to be available at all OSF facilities, even when community transmission levels are not high
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