Effective Friday, Feb. 2, Ballad Health is easing its masking policy in clinical areas and is discontinuing contingency staffing.
We’re able to take these steps due to the recent decrease in cases of respiratory illness – influenza, COVID and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus infection) – among both our patient population throughout the region and among our team members.
- Contingency staffing, which applies to team members with COVID, has been discontinued and we will return to normal staffing protocol. For reference, contingency staffing is implemented when increased clinical staffing needs are occurring or are expected due to increased absenteeism caused by staff illness.
- Masking will no longer be required for team members and care providers in patient care areas and clinical departments in acute-care and long-term care facilities.This covers our hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, home health and hospice, and Ballad Health Medical Associates (BHMA) locations.
Team members may continue to mask if that is their preference.
Any team member who tests positive for influenza, COVID and RSV should still contact Team Member Health to report the positive test and should follow normal return-to-work guidelines. Team Member Health will provide appropriate return-to-work protocol based on your symptoms and diagnosis.
Masking for visitors to our facilities is optional – although anyone presenting with fever or cough should be asked to mask.
These are welcome changes as we experience a decrease in respiratory illness cases. Thank you to all our team members, physicians and volunteers for everything you do to deliver the best possible care to our patients – with a special thanks to our team members who have been affected by these recent safety restrictions. Your hard work has truly made a difference to our patients, fellow team members and the community at large!
Questions
If you have questions, contact your local Team Member Health office, facility infection preventionist or your supervisor.
