Previously, masking had been required at all times in VA medical facilities, regardless of health protection level. Image: Jay Fog/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe VA has eased mask-wearing requirements for employees, patients and others in its medical facilities, dropping the general requirement for wearing masks that had been in place throughout those facilities since the start of the pandemic in early 2020.
Instead, general requirements will be based on the three-level CDC standards for medical facilities by location.
“When health protection levels are high, masking will remain required. However, when health protection levels are low or medium, medical center leadership will conduct a facility risk assessment to determine if it is appropriate for masking to be optional in certain areas at their facility. Previously, masking had been required at all times in VA medical facilities, regardless of health protection levels,” the VA said.
“Regardless of health protection level or healthcare facility conditions, masking will still be required in high-risk areas such as chemotherapy units, acute inpatient medical/surgical units, intensive care units, post-transplant units, dialysis units, etc. Masking will also be required at all times for individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other viral respiratory infections,” it said.
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