Effective Friday, Baystate Health institutes a mandatory mask-wearing policy for individuals aged five and above across its prominent medical institutions, including Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Children’s Hospital, Baystate Noble Hospital, Baystate Wing Hospital, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, and the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care.
Additionally, while Baystate Health strongly advises visitors to don masks at Baystate Medical Practices offices and other non-patient care locales, it remains optional. The health system’s proactive measure stems from an uptick in COVID-19 cases within the region. Notably, Baystate Health’s emergency facilities and hospitals have witnessed a consistent surge in infections. A press release relayed to 22News reveals that Baystate Health actively monitors community testing and wastewater data, both indicating a concerning rise in viral presence.
Furthermore, recent insights from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spotlight a simultaneous escalation of respiratory ailments, encompassing RSV and influenza (flu), nationwide and notably within our vicinity.
To fortify defenses against these contagious diseases, Baystate Health advocates the following preventive measures:
- Ensure timely vaccination against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
- Wear masks in scenarios posing heightened respiratory virus transmission risks.
- Prioritize rigorous hand hygiene, cleansing hands for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap.
- Employ hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren’t accessible.
- Regularly sanitize frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, and countertops.
- Adopt responsible coughing and sneezing etiquettes to shield those around you.
- Remain vigilant for early symptom detection and pursue prompt medical intervention when necessary.
