Due to the rise in our region of influenza, COVID and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases, Ballad Health will require team member masking in all clinical areas, effective Thursday, Dec. 21. This applies to our hospitals, outpatient clinics, long term care facilities and Ballad Health Medical Associates (BHMA) locations.
This requirement covers team members, medical staff and vendors, but only in clinical areas.
Masking for visitors will remain optional, although we do want to make visitors and patients aware that, for both our safety and theirs, our team members are masking in these critical areas. This will help protect vulnerable patients from the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses, and also help keep our team members healthy so we can maintain safe staffing levels to care for our patients.
We’ve taken this step in years past, whenever the need has arisen, and kept the mandate in place until respiratory cases decrease to a safer level. While we’re not at critical levels at this point, it should be noted that Tennessee is among 15 states currently considered by the CDC to have a “high level” of circulating respiratory viral illness, while Virginia is listed as “moderate.”
- NOTE: Failing to follow this masking requirement in clinical areas will result in standard corrective action.
- We will continue to offer separate waiting areas for respiratory illness in our emergency departments when possible.
- We are asking all patients with symptoms of respiratory illness to mask.
- When eating meals at work, please use your best judgment as to whether it is safe to sit in groups as you eat, or to eat alone or keep a safe distance between each person.
Remember, the best ways to prevent illness due to influenza, COVID and RSV are to stay updated with all vaccines, practice good hand hygiene always, use social distancing as appropriate, and wear a mask when working in high-risk areas.
Thank you for all you do to deliver the best possible care to our patients.
