Auburn Community Hospital (ACH) announced on Monday that starting July 18, 2023, face masks will no longer be mandatory for patients and staff in most of its patient care areas, including for non-vaccinated employees, according to New York State regulations.
The announcement covers the hospital’s local physician practices and urgent care centers but excludes the Finger Lakes Center for Living, which follows different masking policies.
Despite the change, ACH will continue to enforce mask wearing in high-risk patient settings, and immunocompromised patients will be asked to wear masks while at the hospital.
The relaxation of the mandate follows a significant drop in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to increased vaccinations and prior infections providing immunity. The hospital added that it remains flexible in adjusting its policies to best serve patients and may reintroduce the mask mandate in the fall to limit the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
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