Southcoast Health issues update in masking policy amid rise of respiratory illnesses

Fall River, New Bedford, Wareham, MA – Southcoast Health has issued an update to their masking policy.

As of January 4, 2024, Bristol County is at a moderate level of COVID-19 activity and Massachusetts is at a high level of respiratory illness activity, according to the CDC. Southcoast Health, is also seeing rising levels of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and flu, in the community.

Effective January 3, 2024, Southcoast Health updated their masking policy in an effort to keep patients and staff safe during this time of increased risk from various respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19 and flu.

At this time, Southcoast Health providers and staff are required to wear surgical masks in clinical areas.

Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear surgical masks while in a Southcoast Health clinical facility.

Masking Policy

-For patients and visitors NOT experiencing COVID-19 or other respiratory symptoms, masks are strongly recommended.

-For patients experiencing COVID-19 and other respiratory symptoms, masks are required. When possible, we recommend limiting interaction with others if you are not feeling well.

-For visitors experiencing COVID-19 and other respiratory symptoms, we strongly discourage visiting until symptoms have resolved.

-For patients and visitors with an immunocompromised state, masks are strongly advised.

In certain patient care situations, such as in many Cancer Center areas, masking may still be required.