Beginning Monday, May 4, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford will require anyone entering to wear a mask. Exceptions are made for those younger than two years old or those with medical conditions that prohibit wearing a mask.
“Wearing a mask over the nose and mouth helps to contain respiratory secretions and reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19,” said Paula Carynski, hospital president, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. “Masking is additional protection which will address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of the virus.”
Patients will be given a mask to wear while interacting with medical staff if they don’t have one of their own. In addition, visitors and vendors will be asked to wear a personal mask. If a personal mask is not available, a disposable mask will be provided.
All OSF Mission Partners will also be required to wear masks in public spaces, whether personal or provided by OSF HealthCare. OSF Mission Partners who provide direct patient care will be issued appropriate personal protective equipment by OSF.
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center has visitor restriction guidelines in place and will continue to restrict visitors to one per patient for critically ill patients, those at the end of life, labor & delivery, and one designated health care decision maker for patients unable to make health care decisions for themselves.
For more information on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including frequently asked questions, please visit the OSF HealthCare COVID-19 digital health hub: www.osfhealthcare.org/covid19/.