Revised Masking Policy

Revised Masking Policy

DCH Health System follows current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control for Healthcare Settings. In the past two reporting periods the COVID-19 community transmission level reported by the CDC in Tuscaloosa County has been at “Substantial.” Because of this, DCH is changing the masking requirement found in its temporary COVID-19 visitation policy.

Effective at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, wearing a mask in a DCH facility will be OPTIONAL for staff and visitors with some exceptions. Masks will still be required in certain patient care areas such as when visiting patients who are positive or suspected to be positive for highly transmissible diseases such as COVID-19. Each visitor must follow all staff instructions related to wearing personal protective equipment, including masks.

If the community transmission rate reported by the CDC goes back up to “High,” then the masking and visitation requirements may be revised accordingly.

At this time, visitation will continue to be limited. The current DCH Health System COVID-19 Visitation Policy can be found on the DCH website at: https://www.dchsystem.com/covid-19/visitation-policy/.