Oregon health systems change masking requirements after mask mandate for health care settings lifts

(Left to right) Clinical nurse Heather Gatchet, Dr. Peter Hakim, and emergency room nurse manager Nancy Bee head into the emergency department at Salem Health in this file photo from Jan. 27, 2022.

Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB

The Oregon Health Authority announced last month that face masks would no longer be required in health care settings beginning April 3. The mandate originally went into effect in August 2021 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in hospitals, urgent cares and other medical facilities. The new guidance doesn’t prevent health care facilities from continuing to require masks, leaving providers around the state to decide whether and how to update their policies.

Asante Health System in southern Oregon will discontinue its COVID-19-era mask requirements. Holly Nickerson, vice president of quality and patient safety, joins us to talk about how the decision was made and what patients and staff can expect going forward.

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