Masking is on the rise in the U.S., especially in healthcare settings. Several states and major health systems have begun requiring physicians and visitors to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus continue to surge.
After following CDC guidelines and tracking cases in their areas, here is why 26 facilities have made the decision not to reimplement mask requirements:
Andy Paulson. Executive Director at Central Illinois Endoscopy Center (Peoria): We have not implemented mask requirements (other than places where it already existed). We have had some patients ask that the members of their care team wear masks and we comply with their requests. We occupy a building that has several other clinics and the building managers have discussed mask requirements for common areas of the building but nothing has been implemented yet and enforcement of a restriction would be difficult.
Bruce Feldman (New York City): Our ASC has not reimplemented mask mandates for anyone at this time. The county that we are in has a very low COVID infection rate. Should that change, our local health department will advise accordingly if they mandate the wearing of masks again.
Cristina Tamasdan, MD. Director of Pain Management at St. Vincent's Medical Center/Hartford Health System Connecticut: My practice that is both inpatient and outpatient has an advisory on mask placement; however, Hartford Hospital System did not mandate it as the prevalence of cases in hospital settings didn't reach the threshold limit. However, patients with significant comorbidities are the ones who voluntarily opt for a mask.
Daryl Steven Henshaw, MD. Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Wake Forest School of Medicine (Winston-Salem, N.C.): My primary practice is at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (which is part of Advocate Health). At our hospitals we have "strongly recommended" a return to the use of masks for both providers and patients/visitors but have not reinstituted a mandate thus far.
Emma Gimmel, BSN, RN. Director of Nursing at Manhattan Endoscopy (New York City): Not so far. The use of masks are optional for staff, patients and visitors. Masks are mandated with any signs and strongly encouraged with illness symptoms. Yet as some hospitals are starting to mandate masks, I will be looking into it and advise the board to consider the same. No, we don't have to wait until the DOH or CDC designates mandatory masks.
Ernest Braxton, MD. Spine and Neurological Surgery Specialist at Vail- (Colo.) Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery: Our practice has not implemented any new mask requirements in any clinical settings aside from the usual expectation of having a mask in the operating room. Fortunately, our community in Vail, Colo., has not seen a surge in high-acuity COVID cases. The only exception to where we may occasionally wear a mask in the clinic is per patient request.
Gregory DeConciliis, PA-C. Administrator at Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites: We have not reimplemented because the state has not required. In regards to our current population of staff and patients, we continue our surveillance and ask employees to self-report, etc.
James Flaherty, MD. Cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine (Chicago): No. COVID-19 rates at our institution are reportedly low and vaccination rates are high.
Jami Osterlund, MSN. Perianesthesia Manager at Houston Physicians' Hospital (Webster, Texas): At this time, we have not reimplemented mask mandates for staff, physicians or patients in the ASC. We monitor the community positivity rate weekly and will make changes if indicated.
Jeff Dottl. Principal at Physicians Surgery Centers (Ventura, Calif.): Only in Los Angeles County — county mandate. Nowhere else has implemented masks.
Karen Murphy, MSN, RN. Director of Nursing at Fort Sutter Surgery Center (Sacramento, Calif.): As of now, in our ASC we have not reimplemented any masking requirements with the exception of a mask requirement if you decline/cannot get the flu vaccine.
Ken Rich, MD. President at Raleigh (N.C.) Neurosurgical Clinic: The first strains of COVID were absolutely deadly. Fortunately, mutations have dramatically lowered the threat of that virus. Other viruses like RSV and the flu have been around long before we started masking. I think masks should be optional, but we have not made any moves to have mandatory masking.
Kristin Ward, RN. Vice President of Surgical Services and ASC Administrator at OSS Health (York, Pa.): We have not at OSS Health.
Larry Trenk. Vice President of Operations at Physicians Endoscopy (Jamison, Pa.): The decision to require masking is a function of low local demographic incidence rates, and so far the rates have not forced our practices to insist on masking. We are monitoring trends closely.
Lisa Cooper. CEO of Santa Cruz (Calif.) Surgery Center: We require personnel to wear masks in clinical areas not business, and for patients it is optional.
Matthew Gee. CEO of Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic (Mobile): Our practice and surgery center have moved to a policy that currently recommends the use of masks but does not require them.
Mick Perez-Cruet, MD. Director of the Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Spine Program at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (Rochester, Mich.): No, we don't feel it is necessary. We have not noticed any complaints or patient- or staff-related issues. Patients and staff are free to wear a mask if they wish to do so.
Nyleen Flores. CEO and Administrator of Total Surgery Center (Naples, Fla): No, we have not reimplemented mask requirements, aside from surgical areas, as our COVID risk in the area is "low." However, hand washing, monitoring and active reminders has proven to be much more effective in avoiding any potential exposures.
Ramis Gheith, MD, BSN. Anesthesiologist and Medical Director at Interventional Pain Center of Chesterfield (Mo.): At our practice, we have not implemented new mask mandates for our physicians, support staff or patients. However, we do strongly encourage anyone with symptoms of COVID or the flu to stay home per the CDC guidelines. They may return to work after one week as long as they wear a mask until they are completely asymptomatic. Patients are strongly encouraged to remain home for healing until they are asymptomatic prior to being seen in the office for their scheduled appointments and elective interventional care. It's important to note that public health recommendations and requirements can vary based on local conditions, guidelines and the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. While infection rates and hospitalization rates are significant factors in determining public health measures, other considerations such as vaccination rates, the presence of new variants and healthcare system capacity also play a role. It's crucial to stay informed about the latest guidance from local health authorities and follow their recommendations. Additionally, keeping an open line of communication with healthcare professionals and staying updated on any changes in the situation can help in making informed decisions for our practice. Even if mask reimplementation is not currently mandated, it's still a good practice to encourage vaccination, maintain good hygiene practices and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances if the situation evolves. Public health measures can be dynamic, and staying vigilant helps in ensuring the well-being of our communities and minimizing the risk of further spread of infections. It's understandable that practices may tailor their policies based on local conditions, trends and guidance from local health authorities. Monitoring the situation in our community and aligning our practices with local trends and hospital guidelines is a responsible approach. However, it's essential to remain flexible and responsive to changes in the public health landscape. If conditions shift, new variants emerge, or there are updates from health authorities, it's advisable to reconsider and adjust your policies accordingly. Keeping lines of communication open with local health officials, staying informed about the latest developments, and promoting vaccination efforts within our practice are important components of a proactive and responsible healthcare approach. Ultimately, the goal is to prioritize the safety and well-being of both staff and patients while adapting to the dynamic nature of the ongoing pandemic.
Robert Bell, MD. CEO of NW Surgery Center (Houston): No, we do not. Masks are political; they have no effect in preventing disease.
Scott Sigman, MD. Surgeon at OSA Orthopaedics (Chelmsford, Mass.): Not in our office, but our hospital has mandated masks in all patient treatment areas .
Sean Li, MD. Pain Management Specialist at National Spine & Pain Centers (Shrewsbury, N.J.): We currently have not reimplemented a masking policy. It remains optional for both patients and staff. We monitor state and federal health department recommendations and follow the latest CDC guidelines.
Shane Nho, MD. Co-Director of the Division of Sports Medicine at Rush Orthopedics (Chicago): Our practice has not mandated mask requirements. Since we are an orthopedic practice, we are not specifically treating patients with respiratory illness. That said, given the current uptick in respiratory illnesses, both healthcare providers and patients are coming into the offices with masks when symptomatic or exposed to someone with symptoms.
Thomas Schuler, MD. Spine Surgeon and Founder at Virginia Spine Institute (Reston): We have not, since they don't work, are intrusive in interpersonal discourse and disliked by an overwhelming majority of patients and employees.
Todd Currier. Administrator of Bend (Ore.) Surgery Center: We have not reimplemented a mask requirement. We believe that we provide a thorough preoperative screening process of our patients for any potential illnesses or exposures that they may have, while also keeping a watchful eye on exposures within the community. In addition, we educate our staff to monitor and be aware of their own exposure risks as well. Masks are available for those that have concerns.
Vishal Mehta, MD. President and Managing Partner at Fox Valley Orthopedics (Geneva, Ill.): We have not reimplemented any mask requirements. We monitor our local transmission rates and recommendations from local health departments and act in accordance. Obviously we always ask those who are sick to either switch to telehealth or wear a mask.