Springfield's two major health systems are no longer requiring everyone to wear masks

Susan Szuch, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read

CoxHealth and Mercy are rolling back their universal masking policies that were in place due to COVID-19. Both health systems said the decision was made in light of information indicating that COVID-19 is stabilizing, including lower overall positivity, hospitalizations and declining cases in the community.

The Springfield Greene-County Health Department lists the county's COVID-19 risk at low, as of March 11.

"Mercy will continue to review all pertinent data and may need to re-enact masking requirements in the future, when and where it becomes necessary," said Sonya Kullmann, media relations and communications manager for Mercy.

"While we will continue to closely monitor community trends, our change in approach is an important step forward in easing pandemic restrictions, while still protecting vulnerable patients we serve," the CoxHealth press release said.

Mercy also recently relaxed restrictions on visitors for its neonatal intensive care unit, allowing for extended family to visit, citing decreased rates of respiratory illness.

CoxHealth: Masking no longer routinely required; visitors with COVID-19 exposure or symptoms should stay home

CoxHealth announced in a press release Tuesday that patients and visitors will not be required to mask routinely in facilities, though patients with respiratory symptoms may be asked to wear a mask. Visitors who have been exposed to COVID-19 or who have a COVID-19 infection or symptoms should not enter facilities.

Masking will be encouraged, but not required, "where patients are at the greatest risk," such as the oncology department or the neonatal intensive care unit.

Vaccinated patients, staff and visitors will not need to wear masks in common areas such as hallways, cafeterias or waiting rooms. Staff are "to continue masking" when they are interacting with patients for a prolonged period of time, such as when they are in patient rooms, transporting a patient or providing therapy,

CoxHealth will continue to offer surgical masks at the entrances of its health care facilities.

"The change is supported by CoxHealth’s medical directors for Infection Prevention and Employee Health, as well as our Chief Medical Officer, our Critical Care section chair, and our local health departments," the press release said.

Masking now optional in Mercy facilities unless symptomatic for COVID-19, have not received COVID-19 or flu vaccines

For all Mercy facilities, masking will be optional for all staff, providers, patients and visitors starting March 15.

However, there are a couple of exceptions, such as:

  • Someone is symptomatic for COVID-19 or has been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 10 days;

  • Someone is in a facility that is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak;

  • Someone is caring for or visiting patients in isolation;

  • Until at least March 31, co-workers who are exempt from the COVID-19 or influenza vaccine.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield health systems no longer require masking for everyone