Masking Update
Updated March 31, 2023
On March 3, the Washington State Department of Health announced that that the Secretary of Health Mask Order, which required universal masking for people age 5 and older in healthcare, long-term care and adult correctional facilities, would end, effective April 3, 2023.
- Effective April 3, 2023,
- OMC patients and visitors will not be required to mask, unless they meet one of the following criteria:
- Are in a designated respiratory area in OMC or OMP (e.g. pediatric clinic respiratory entrance, areas of Walk in Clinics, etc.),
- Present with COVID-19, COVID-19-like symptoms or other respiratory symptoms,
- Are visiting patients in isolation requiring masks or at any patient’s request.
- OMC staff universal masking for source control will continue to be required for direct patient care in all patient care units/areas within OMC Hospitals and OMP clinic settings.
- OMC staff universal masking for source control will not be required in shared office spaces, public spaces (hallways, elevators, café, cafeteria), and meeting/conference rooms.
- OMC patients and visitors will not be required to mask, unless they meet one of the following criteria:
OMC continues to strongly recommend masking in OMC facilities to protect our most vulnerable populations.