Northeast Ohio hospitals make masking optional as federal COVID health emergency ends

Bryce Buyakie, The Daily Record
·3 min read
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WOOSTER ― The U.S. ended its COVID-19 public health emergency as hospitals continue to make masking optional, breaking from the mandatory masking policy of the past three years.

This comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low in Ohio compared to previous months. Since May 1, the Ohio Department of Health recorded roughly 3,331 new cases, 118 hospitalizations and two deaths.

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A close up of eyes and mask.
A close up of eyes and mask.

In Wayne County, there have been 23 new cases in the same time frame with 45 in Ashland County and five in Holmes County.

Mask policy tweaks in Northeast Ohio

In April, a number of regional hospitals changed masking policies.

Among those that shifted policies is Wooster Community Hospital, which made masking optional, according to spokesperson Michelle Quisenberry.

People experiencing COVID-like symptoms, who have tested positive or who have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 10 days should wear a mask, she said.

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If there is an outbreak at work or at home, masks are also encouraged.

At the Cleveland Clinic, masks are optional for patients, visitors and caregivers, according to a news release. Masks may be required for certain units that care for vulnerable patients.

The hospital system encouraged those with respiratory symptoms or COVID-19 to wear a mask to keep others safe.

University Hospitals now require masks in patient-care areas, according to an April 21 news release. This includes patients' rooms and waiting rooms reserved for patients like those in outpatient and patient care areas.

Caregivers are required to wear masks when interacting with patients.

Masks are optional in common areas not used for patient care in cafeterias, elevators and parking garages, according to the press release.

Both hospital systems changed as COVID-19 cases have decreased in their communities.

COVID vaccine, test kits free for Wayne County residents

Despite the federal government ending the public health emergency May 11, the Wayne County Health Department will continue to offer free COVID-19 vaccines and at-home test kits to Wayne County Residents.

“We are in a better place with COVID‐19 in knowing how to stop the spread and to mitigate the virus much more so now than we did three years ago. The best way to prevent getting or at least getting very sick from COVID‐19 is by getting vaccinated against it,“ said Patty Reining RN, director of community health for the Wayne County Health Department.

Walk-in clinics are available to get the vaccine from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the 203 South Walnut St. office in Wooster, she said.

The test kits are available at the Walnut Street office and the Environmental Office located at 428 W. Liberty St. in Wooster.

Testing kits vary in availability, so it is recommended to call 330-264-9590 before picking one up.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Hospitals make masking optional as federal COVID health emergency ends