North Carolina, Charlotte – After more than three years of the pandemic, the use of masks will no longer be mandatory in most clinics and hospitals around the city of Charlotte.
Effective Tuesday, March 28, Novant Health, Atrium Health, Caromont Health, Cone Health, and Randolph Health are removing mask requirements for patients, visitors, and staff.
A decrease in cases led to the decision that it is “optional”
The new policy that leaves the use of face masks as “optional” came into effect at 7:00 a.m. The above was announced through a joint communiqué from health companies.
The mutual decision was made by these health companies, due to several factors such as:
- The widespread availability of protective vaccines.
- A steady decline in positive Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations across the southeastern United States.
- Community habits return to pre-pandemic levels.
“The decision to make masking optional was not made lightly.” Was what said Dr. Katie Passaretti, vice president and chief epidemiologist at Atrium Health.
Passaretti explained that it was considered that this “decision will affect tens of thousands of our patients, teammates and visitors.”
Option to use masks
Passareti said they recognize that some people may choose to wear a mask due to personal preference or individual health issues.
“We encourage anyone who feels this way to continue to wear their mask. We also encourage patients to let us know if they prefer their direct care team to wear a mask,” said the doctor.
The number of reported Covid-19 cases in Mecklenburg County has decreased on a weekly basis since late December 2022.
According to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), 393 cases were reported in the week of March 18. In the county, 40 deaths caused by the virus have been reported this year.
The county is currently in “code green” for “low exposure level” for Covid-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although the levels are low, the health authorities and the hospital group recommend keeping up to date with the Covid-19 vaccines, and getting tested if you experience symptoms.
Masks and social distancing will not be required in North Carolina
The use of masks will continue in some areas
However, the use of masks will be required in some areas of Charlotte hospitals and clinics.
“While the universal use of masks will no longer be required, certain exceptions apply, including the use of masks when there are symptoms of respiratory viruses and in treatment areas for high-risk patients, including those who are isolated,” they said in the statement. release.
Atrium indicated that these areas may include units for cancer patients, and others with patients with low immunity who are being treated, as well as the department and emergency rooms.
“It can also include rooms where highly infectious patients with a respiratory virus, such as tuberculosis, influenza, Covid-19 and whooping cough, are cared for, or any area or unit with an identified group of diseases,” it points out. Atrium Health.
Hospitals request that patients experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness such as flu, RSV, or Covid, or who have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 in the past 10 days, wear a tight-fitting face covering over their nose and mouth. .
“Visitors experiencing symptoms are asked to stay home,” they said.
The requirement to use masks could return
The universal mask policy may also return to Charlotte hospitals if there is a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Hospitals recommend that while mask requirements are removed, people should still wash their hands frequently with soap and use hand sanitizer, as well as avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
More information can be found on the Mecklenburg County Covid-19 page.
