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African woman in protective mask sitting at doctor's office while doctor examining her throat
Lehigh Valley Health Network makes face masks optional
LVB Staff//April 17, 2023//
Listen to this articleLehigh Valley Health Network has made face masks optional in all of its hospitals and health care facilities as of today.
Masks continue to be optional in non-patient care areas such as cafeterias, pharmacies, chapels and gift shops.
“For several weeks, COVID-19 cases have trended downward in the communities LVHN serves, which makes this change appropriate given the current conditions,” said Dr. Alex Benjamin, chief infection control and prevention officer, LVHN. “We will continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 cases in our community and adjust our masking policy accordingly if cases increase to protect our patients, visitors and colleagues.”
Masks will still be required for anyone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis; anyone with respiratory viral symptoms, transplant donors and recipients; patients and visitors in Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute locations, patients receiving infusion therapy, NICU visitors; and inpatient psychiatric units, LVHN said.
Anyone with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case should not be visiting LVHN sites.
LVHN’s transitional skilled unit (TSU) at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–17th Street must follow the rules and regulations established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Therefore, masking requirements will be clearly indicated on site and will be dependent upon the presence of active COVID-19 cases on the unit.
“In these circumstances and locations, masking continues to be important because it provides an extra layer of protection from COVID–19 for our most vulnerable patients,” Benjamin said. “People who are immunocompromised or at high risk for complications from COVID-19 are always strongly encouraged to wear a mask in public.”
Benjamin said LVHN continues to urge everyone to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, meaning a person who received their primary COVID-19 vaccination series and any recommended boosters.
