Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency updates local mask guidance

Staff report
·2 min read

Last week, the Center for Disease Control updated its guidance for the general population regarding wearing masks indoors, as well as the requirement for face masks on school buses and vans.

These changes come as a result of the drop in COVID-19 cases in the country and moves us towards a system that asks the individual to assess risk and determine the best actions to take. Anyone 2 years old and older must continue to wear a mask when traveling on an airplane, community bus or a train and while in a transportation hub such as an airport or bus station. Masks no longer are required on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems.

The guidance for wearing a mask indoors is tied to the current level of community transmission. Branch, Hillsdale and St. Joseph counties are currently in the "medium category." The CDC has outlined prevention steps you should take based on your community level.

Regardless of community level, settings such as health care, nursing homes, prisons, and other congregate care settings, may still require masks for employees and visitors to ensure the safety of vulnerable clients, residents, and employees.

Here are some reasons why you may want to consider wearing a mask when risk is low or medium when you are out and about in the community:

  • You are around a group of individuals and you are unsure of their vaccination status;

  • You or a loved one are immunocompromised or have risk factors that put you at high risk for severe illness;

  • You work with vulnerable individuals, such as those in congregate or long-term care;

  • You have been exposed to someone who is positive (you are a close contact).

A well-fitted, high filtration mask continues to serve an important role in protecting individuals from exposure to illness. KN-95 masks continue to be available at your local health department office.

“It is very important that individuals continue to isolate if they test positive for COVID-19, and that close contacts quarantine and take appropriate precautions. Individuals up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to wear a mask for 10 days after a known exposure, see full details of quarantine and isolation," said Rebecca Burns, health officer.

If you have any questions about what to do if you test positive on an at-home test, or any issues finding testing or other COVID-19 related resources, call your local health department location and hit option 7 to leave a message.

Free COVID-19 testing continues to be offered as follows:

  • Coldwater: 570 Marshall Road, Coldwater, Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Hillsdale: 20 Care Drive, Lower Level, Hillsdale, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Three Rivers: 1110 Hill St., Three Rivers, Fridays from 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Masks are no longer required on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems.
Masks are no longer required on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Health agency gives updates on masks, region in "medium" category