UW Health announced that patients and visitors to certain facilities are required to wear masks beginning today amid respiratory illness season, WMTV15 reports. The annual protocol aims to stem the spread of respiratory viruses like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
Patient and visitor masking will be required in high-risk locations that include:
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Breast centers;
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Cancer clinics;
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Chemotherapy clinics;
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Critical care units;
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Dialysis locations;
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Emergency departments;
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Infectious disease clinics;
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Infusion centers;
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The Johnson Creek Regional Cancer Center;
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Pulmonary clinics;
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Radiation oncology;
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Rheumatology clinics;
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Transplant clinic; and
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Urgent care.
Other patient care locations and clinics are not mandating masks but strongly encourage them. They are optional in lobbies, cafeterias, administrative areas, and elevators.
Masks continue to be required for staff and visitors in UnityPoint Health–Meriter’s:
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Intensive care unit;
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Birthing center;
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Neonatal intensive care unit;
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Emergency department;
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Infusion center; and
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Digestive health center.
In Meriter clinics, masks are recommended.
