UNCHA reinstates mask mandate
Effective immediately, all UNC Health Appalachian (UNCHA) teammates (including providers and staff) will be required to wear masks when they are around other people indoors. Masks will not be required if teammates are alone in a room with the door closed (unless they are in the recovery period from a viral infection and have been instructed to continue masking at all times by employee health).
Patients and visitors will also be required to wear a mask when they are around other people (e.g., in the hallway, in the waiting room, in the exam room being seen). This applies to all UNCHA hospitals, outpatient facilities, and offices, except Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital where staff will be required to wear masks, and patients at ARBH will be encouraged to wear masks.
Why is UNCHA making these changes?
Over the past several weeks, we have seen a surge of viral respiratory infections (influenza and RSV) in our Emergency Departments and across our workforce. The recent surge is particularly concerning because of the large number of children affected and requiring hospitalization. None of us want to transmit these viruses to our other patients, coworkers, and family. UNCHA is making these changes in order to protect patients and our workforce – while also ensuring that we have adequate resources to serve patients as these viruses continue to spread.
We will continue to monitor this situation daily. Based on infection numbers, masking requirements may change.