Published on August 20, 2020

Universal Masking Policy Update

OHRH

For patients, visitors and team members in business occupancy only locations

Mask required*: either cloth mask or face covering is a minimum. A procedural or surgical mask may be worn. 
*Exception: The CDC does not recommend that children under the age of 2 wear a mask.

The following are NOT acceptable as they do not provide adequate protection:

  • NO face shields without a mask
  • NO neck scarfs or neck gaiters
  • NO masks with valves or vents

For team members in facilities where patients are present

This applies to ALL team members, including providers working in a facility that provides patient care. This applies regardless if the team member provides direct patient care or not.  

Masks

Surgical or procedural masks are REQUIRED at all times while in a healthcare facility when in contact with patients or other team members. Mask must be worn upon entrance to the facility.  

  • Cloth masks may be worn with surgical or procedural masks, but are not a substitute for a surgical or procedural mask. 
  • For team members who obtain their daily mask from their designated work space rather than the entrance - some form of mask must be worn until they reach the space and then change into a procedural or surgical mask.  
  • If a N95 mask is required, the surgical or procedural mask would be replaced with an N95.
  • Masks MUST be worn over mouth and nose at all times while in the facility. If your mask will not stay over your nose due to poor fit or from reuse, this is an indication to discard the mask and obtain a new one.
  • Masks should not be reused when leaving the room of patient requiring isolation such as MRSA, MDRO, CDIFF, influenza or rhinovirus.

Eye protection

Face shield or eye shield are REQUIRED with any face-to-face interaction with any patient. Goggles or safety glasses are NOT considered adequate protection.

If you have any questions about the Universal Masking Policy, please ask your leader for clarification.

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About Owensboro Health

Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities it serves in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital, the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 200 providers at more than 20 locations; three outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a surgical weight loss center and program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.

On average each year, we have 16,000 inpatient admissions, deliver 2,000 babies and provide the region’s only Level III NICU. Owensboro Health physicians perform nearly 24,000 surgical procedures, including nearly 200 open-heart surgeries. Our physicians and staff have 70,000 Emergency Department visits, more than a million outpatient visits annually. Visit our home page for more information.