As we near the end of the National Public Health Emergency, which is set to expire on May 11, 2023, SSM Health is taking steps to safely roll back some mitigation measures implemented during the pandemic. Beginning Wednesday, March 15, SSM Health will no longer require universal masking across our facilities.
We are making this change in response to the changing status of COVID-19 in the communities we serve. Highly effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 are now widely available and we continue to see community levels in our service areas stabilize and decline. Adherence to CDC guidelines and protocols regarding appropriate personal protective equipment for providers and staff will continue.
While masks will no longer be universally required, SSM Health understands some patients and community members will still choose to wear masks for personal reasons. We respect and support this choice. In addition, SSM Health will continue screening protocols and require masking for patients with known or suspected COVID-19 infections, as well as anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory infection. SSM Health will provide masks for patients who need them.
Knowing that community risk can change rapidly, SSM Health will continue to monitor community levels and is prepared to adjust our policies in response to protect the health of our patients, staff and community.
