Mask requirements in healthcare settings lifting April 3
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The following is a press release from the Oregon Health Authority.
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding communities that workers, patients, and visitors in healthcare settings statewide will not be required to wear masks starting Monday, April 3.
Healthcare settings include, but are not limited to, hospitals, mobile clinics, ambulances, outpatient facilities, dental offices, urgent care centers, long term care facilities, counseling offices, school-based health centers and complementary and alternative medicine locations.
Some health care settings may decide to continue requiring masks even after the statewide requirement is lifted.
Anyone who wants to continue to wear a mask can do so, including in public places and in workplaces. Wearing a mask remains an effective way to reduce transmission of respiratory viruses. OHA continues encouraging people to wear a mask in any setting – including health care settings – if they are sick, have health conditions that put them at high risk for severe illness from a respiratory virus exposure (or lives with someone at high risk), or any time wearing a mask makes them feel more comfortable.
The order, which has been in effect since August 2021, will be rescinded on Monday, April 3. To learn more, find additional information on OHA’s masking page: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/covid19/Pages/Masks.aspx
Message from Sky Lakes Medical Center
In accordance with the Oregon Health Authority Sky Lakes Medical Center updates it’s masking policy.
In alignment with Oregon Health Authority’s announcement that masks are no longer required in healthcare settings starting April 3, 2023, Sky Lakes Medical Center has made some changes to onsite masking requirements.
Starting on April 3rd Sky Lakes will continue masking requirements for patients, visitors, and employees in select areas only. With patient safety as the top priority, specific sites will have continued mask requirements for patients, employees, and visitors to help protect against exposure for our most vulnerable patients. These sites include patient rooms in the ICU, the Cancer Treatment Center Infusion Center, and the Sky Lakes Infusion Center.
Knowing there are high-risk patients in other areas of the hospital; patients, visitors, and employees will be required to wear masks when entering a room with patients that are immunocompromised or receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
Outside of the three selected sites masks are not required.
Sky Lakes’ decision to keep masking in specific locations was made for two reasons. First, to protect these extremely vulnerable patients. Second, is to protect the staff.
Because patient comfort and safety are Sky Lakes’ first priority, employees will honor requests from patients to wear a mask when providing care.
Masking kiosks will still be available in areas throughout the hospital for patients, visitors, and employees.
On your next visit look for updated signage to guide you to where masks will be required. Please feel free to ask Sky Lakes personnel for clarification as needed.
The primary goal at Sky Lakes Medical Center is to provide you with the highest quality healthcare with compassion and respect so you can achieve your best possible health. This goal can best be met by working together.