UMass Memorial reinstating mask mandate, COVID cases on the rise in Worcester

Tatum Goetting, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Updated ·2 min read
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With COVID cases in Massachusetts on the rise, UMass Memorial Medical Center is bringing back a mask mandate for all staff due to an increase in cases among employees.

In a memo released to caregivers Thursday, UMass Memorial said that in response to the uptick in cases, masks will be mandatory for all patient encounters in all licensed clinical areas. Masks will not be required for common areas but are strongly encouraged, the memo said.

Mask use is also encouraged for patients and visitors, but not required.

If there is a further increase in transmission rates, UMass Memorial Medical Center will require masks upon entry of the building. The mandate will be re-evaluated in four weeks, "unless worsening conditions dictate otherwise."

"Please know that these changes are not made lightly and we know that a return to masking may be upsetting for some of our caregivers," the hospital said.

Cases increasing in Worcester

Last month, Worcester had 89 confirmed COVID cases. As of Friday, the count was 151, Worcester Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr. Matilde Castiel said.

"We've had an increase," Castiel said. "I think the thing we've noticed the most is the increase in staff at hospitals. Hospital COVID numbers have tripled. Guidelines are beginning to change."

Castiel said people who are at high risk or are immunocompromised should wear masks, especially in crowded spaces. Castiel also encouraged people to get vaccinated if they have not already, and to get any remaining COVID boosters. She added that everyone should get their flu vaccines and RSV vaccines.

COVID numbers have also increased in nursing homes and rehab centers in Worcester, Castiel said.

There were 40 new cases in the city the week of Aug. 4 through Aug. 10, 50 new cases from Aug. 11 to Aug. 17 and 47 new cases Aug. 18 through Aug. 25.

"I think it's up to people to know numbers are increasing and if they are at high risk, they should be wearing masks," Castiel said. "In the coming months, we won't be outdoors as much either so that's going to cause the numbers to increase as well."

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: UMass Memorial brings mask mandate back as COVID cases rise