Special to 1808Delaware

Due to decreasing community spread and higher immunity in our communities, OhioHealth has ended the masking requirement for asymptomatic individuals in all hospitals, outpatient care centers and physician offices, effective Friday, April 14.

Masking may be required for visitors based on specific patient situations, such as when a patient is in isolation. Masks are also recommended for visitors if they are experiencing any respiratory symptoms.

stock-photo-coronavirus-corona-virus-prevention-travel-surgical-masks-and-hand-sanitizer-gel-for-hand-hygiene-1663756195.jpgThe decision to end the masking requirement is based on transmission rates of COVID-19 in the community.

Joe Gastaldo, MD, an OhioHealth infectious disease physician and vice president of clinical affairs at OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, recently talked to 10TV about why masks are no longer required.

“Our COVID transmission in the community is low enough now where it is very safe to make masking optional in the hospital,” he said in the interview.

However, masks will still be available for those who wish to wear them.

“We still want to promote the safety of healthcare workers, and, most importantly, of our patients,” said Dr. Gastaldo. “There are scenarios where patients should be wearing a mask. For example, if somebody has a weakened immune system or somebody is frail, those individuals in a hospital will likely be wearing a mask.”

Dr. Gastaldo told 10TV that “This virus is not going away in a hospital. We really need to prioritize the safety of patients when they come in and there are scenarios like I said where masks will be required especially those who have been compromised.”


1808AM
Sign up here for 1808AM, our incredible weekday morning enewsletter, bringing you the latest Delaware County news -- for free!
You May Also Like

ODNR Celebrates 75 Years Of Conservation In 2024

This year, the department will celebrate this milestone with special programming.

Powell’s Curbside Recycling Goes Green With New Bins

Powell’s Curbside Recycling Goes Green with New Bins

County Engineer Releases 2019 Project List

The Delaware County Engineer’s Office has released its 2019 Project List, and…

SourcePoint Awarded Agency Of The Year

Special to 1808Delaware SourcePoint was recently selected as the 2021 Region 5…