These metro-east hospitals have eased mask requirements as COVID levels decline in IL

Meredith Howard
Updated ·2 min read
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COVID-19 spread is considered “low” as of Thursday in southwestern Illinois by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and several metro-east hospitals have recently eased their masking policies.

Here’s when to mask up at hospitals in Belleville, O’Fallon and more metro-east locations.

Memorial Hospital Belleville

BJC HealthCare is no longer requiring universal masking in its facilities, including Memorial Hospital in Belleville, as of March 22.

“Masks will continue to be readily available for those who prefer to continue wearing a mask, and patients who would prefer their providers wear a mask may request that,” the March 22 release said.

Masking is still required for those visiting patients who are positive or suspected positive for COVID-19. It is recommended for anyone experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness or anyone who has had a recent exposure to respiratory illness.

The hospital system may reinstate the universal masking requirement during respiratory virus surges.

Hospital Sisters Health System

Hospital Sisters Health System facilities in Illinois, including locations in O’Fallon, Highland, Breese and others, no longer require all patients to wear masks as of March 22.

Masking will still be required for patients, employees and visitors who:

  • May have respiratory illness or symptoms similar to COVID-19 or the flu

  • Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 10 days

  • Visit or care for patients who are in isolation

“We also will continue to respect and honor patient requests for HSHS colleagues to wear masks when delivering care,” spokesperson Kelly Barbeau wrote in an email to the News-Democrat.

OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton

OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton is currently mask-optional, spokesperson Randy Schorfheide told the News-Democrat in an April 10 email.

Masks are required for employees who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine.

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia lifted requirements for universal masking, social distancing, symptom screening and physical barriers March 15.

“However, we support team members, patients, and family members of patients who prefer to remain masked or ask staff to wear masks during patient care,” spokesperson Erin Rinderer wrote in an email to the News-Democrat.

This story may be updated.