Mercy Health – Lorain Explains Revised CDC Mask Guidance

Press release from Bon Secours Mercy Health:

June 14, 2021

As our community begins the next phase of returning to a sense of normalcy with lifted health orders, Mercy Health – Lorain wants to further explain and clarify Ohio’s recent updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) mask mandates to area residents.

Although masks became optional for people who are fully vaccinated on June 2, these orders do not apply to health care settings. The CDC has remained emphatic that the use of precautions in hospitals should remain in effect to best protect those who are most at risk. While society may be returning to a feeling of normalcy, hospitals remain the front line against COVID-19, and it will be treated with the same amount of precaution we have had in place throughout the pandemic.

“Our Mercy Health facilities in Lorain County will continue to enforce mask wearing per CDC guidance,” said Ed Oley, Market President at Mercy Health. “Extra precautions are necessary to protect vulnerable patient populations. Regardless of vaccination status, the CDC says mask wearing is the safest option for patients, as well as visitors and staff.”

In May, the CDC announced a change in its guidance and safety procedures for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It states in part, “Fully vaccinated persons may safely do most activities without a facial covering and without socially distancing. While unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear a mask, socially distance, avoid large gatherings, and whenever possible, be outside for activities and gatherings.”

The new CDC guidelines recommend individuals still wear masks while travelling on public transportation (including airplanes), in health care settings (including hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices and clinics), and when they are in a business that chooses to require masks.

“Although we are all encouraged by the ongoing decrease in COVID-19 cases throughout our community and country, our responsibility in keeping patients and associates protected remains the top priority,” said Dr. Gil Palmer, Chief Clinical Officer at Mercy Health. “Wearing a mask within any hospital facility or care site is vital in helping us maintain a high standard of care.”

For more information on vaccination sites in Lorain County, please visit https://www.loraincountyhealth.com/

This press release was produced by Bon Secours Mercy Health. The views expressed here are the author's own.