Howard Memorial Hospital changes masking requirements

Howard Memorial Hospital changes masking requirements COVID-19 has been a major change for all of us. Social distancing and masking have been the most difficult. Due to the fact that COVID-19 Community Levels are “LOW” in our area of the State, Howard Memorial Hospital has decided to relax the masking requirement for patients, families and visitors. IF you are NOT experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you will have the choice to not wear a mask when you come to the facility. However, if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you will still be required to wear a mask while in the facility. HMH Infection Control Preventionist, Gayla Hooker, RN, will continue to monitor the COVID-19 Community Level in our area. When the risk level increases above “LOW”, the requirement to be masked will resume.

COVID-19 Community Levels can help communities and individuals make decisions based on their local community and their unique needs. Community vaccination coverage and other local information, like early alerts from surveillance, such as through wastewater or the number of emergency department visits for COVID-19, when available, can also inform decision making for health officials and individuals.

For Healthcare Facilities: COVID-19 Community Levels do not apply in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Instead, healthcare settings should continue to use community transmission rates and follow CDC’s infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare workers. Therefore, our staff are still required to wear a mask!

For more information, please visit Arkansas Department of Health.