UnityPoint Health hospitals in Eastern Iowa are revising masking requirements based on community transmission levels of COVID-19. According to a release, included are the hospitals and affiliated clinics at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital (Waterloo), UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital (Dubuque) and UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital (Cedar Rapids).
These hospitals are in communities where COVID-19 has a low transmission, and the state’s level is moderate. Therefore, masks are now optional for most patients, visitors and fully vaccinated UnityPoint Health team members. These changes are effective immediately at Allen and Finley and will begin Tues., April 19 at St. Luke’s.
Masking is still recommended for individuals who:
- Are experiencing respiratory symptoms
- Have had a known COVID-19 exposure in the past 10 days
- Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days
- Are not fully vaccinated, immunocompromised or otherwise desire to wear a mask
Health care workers are required to wear a mask when entering a patient room and/or performing direct patient care. However, at some locations, patients may be asked to mask while seeing a health care provider one-on-one.
We would like to remind our communities that if community transmission levels increase, masks will again be required in UnityPoint Health facilities. These changes reflect the nature of COVID-19 and our new normal as we continue to navigate the pandemic.
Please visit each hospital website for the most up-to-date visitor guidelines at unitypoint.org.
Originally published in the CBJ.
