Important update on masking, contingency staffing
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…