Local OSF health facilities are not returning to mask mandates at this time. ABC news reports that 31 states report "high" or "very high" levels of COVID, flu or RSV. Hospitals in at least six states – including Illinois - have reinstated mask policies.
Tim Ditman of OSF Health says the OSF policy continues to be based on the COVID county-by-county levels as published by the CDC. If it’s high, masks are required. If it’s low or medium, masks are encouraged. Right now, Vermilion County is medium, so masks are encouraged but not mandated. He says hospital leaders are monitoring respiratory illnesses constantly and make decisions based on what’s best for their facility.
Infectious disease doctors say prevention exists for all three conditions: vaccination.
