Since UPMC has reinstated masking at all its facilities, are other local providers changing their plans? Here's what we know.
SOMERSET ― Starting Wednesday, masks must again be worn by all patients, visitors and staff at UPMC facilities, including UPMC Somerset hospital and its outpatient clinics.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center released a statement on Thursday that its masking policy would be reinstated due to an increase in respiratory cases, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
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“To protect the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors, everyone in our health care facilities will wear effective masks, which reduce transmission of respiratory viruses in health care settings. We will continue to monitor the number of cases in our communities and adjust our protocols as the situation evolves," the statement said.
The Daily American then checked with the county's other healthcare providers for updates on their masking policies as well.
Conemaugh Health System
The masking policy at Conemaugh Health System facilities has not changed at this time, according to a statement from Tammy Barbin, director of marketing communications for the Johnstown-based healthcare provider.
Conemaugh Health System operates an outpatient center in Somerset and the Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center, in addition to its facilities in Cambria and Blair counties.
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“While we have seen a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, the number has been relatively stable over the past few months and nowhere near the number of cases during previous surges,” the statement said.
“Conemaugh Health System will continue to make regular risk-based assessments to guide our masking policy and protect our patients, staff and community from the spread of infectious diseases. As always, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to control the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, especially during the fall and winter months when transmission rates are highest. This includes, but is not limited to, frequent hand washing, disinfection of equipment and workstations, and masking when appropriate.”
Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber
No changes in the masking policy are being considered at the Windber hospital at this time, according to a statement from Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Csikos.
“Based on our local data at this time, there is no change in our masking policy at CSSMCW,” Csikos said. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and if there is a significant increase in COVID-19 ER visits and/or hospitalizations, then we will reinstate a masking mandate, which will be a tailored approach based on our local data.”
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He also urged those who have not yet received the latest COVID-19 booster vaccine to get it now.
“COVID-19 vaccination with the updated booster is lower than we’d like to see,” Csikos said. “We continue to urge everyone to stay up to date on their COVID-19 booster vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines don’t prevent every infection, but they can reduce illness severity in people who get vaccinated but still get sick, helping to save lives and reduce hospitalizations.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: UPMC requiring face masks at all its healthcare facilities, including Somerset
