Vermont Business Magazine On Monday, March 27, Rutland Regional Medical Center relaxed the universal masking requirements that have been in place since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and moved to symptom-based masking.
“Symptom-based masking is for people who have any cold or flu-like symptoms when they come to the hospital or outpatient clinics,” said Rick Hildebrant, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer at Rutland Regional. “We also continue to encourage basic infection control across the board such as frequent hand washing and other sanitizing measures.”
In February, as part of a phased approach, Rutland Regional relaxed masking requirements at one of its busiest clinics, carefully monitoring for an uptick in COVID or other infectious diseases. As there was no discernable increase in infections, masking requirements were relaxed in all other off-site clinics in early March. Results showed no evidence of increase in infections from relaxed masking in these clinics.
Furthermore, hospitalizations for COVID have remained low for several weeks. Both of these factors provided excellent clinical indicators that the risk of COVID to staff and patients is low and that relaxing the hospital’s mask requirement was an appropriate and safe next step.
“We recognized that the pandemic has now moved into more of an endemic phase, and we wanted to find a way to safely relax masking and PPE requirements for patients and staff, but do so in a way that is supported by data,” said Todd Gregory, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Rutland Regional Medical Center. “We’ve not seen an appreciable increase in infection involving COVID or other respiratory agents among staff or patients during the test period, and consequently feel it is reasonable to change our mask requirements organization-wide.”
Mask wearing will still be required in some instances, however.
“Anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms will be required to wear a mask,” adds Dr. Gregory. “Additionally, masks may be required in certain areas of the hospital or outpatient clinics based on exposure risks, patient population, etc.”
The hospital will continue to provide masks for anyone who chooses to wear one.
“This is a positive shift for our community and for our hospital,” said Judi Fox, Interim President and CEO at Rutland Regional. “We have appreciated the cooperation and support of our patients and visitors in maintaining our COVID protocols over the past three years. It has been a true team effort to keep Rutland Regional and our community as safe and healthy as possible throughout the pandemic. We look forward to seeing smiling faces again.”
About Rutland Regional Medical Center: Rutland Regional Medical Center the largest community hospital in Vermont and is supported by a medical staff of 256 physicians, nurse practitioners and advanced practice providers trained in 37 specialty areas. The 144-bed hospital is supported by approximately 1,700 employees. With a strong patient-centered focus, consistent quality performance, Magnet® Nursing Recognition, and award-winning care, Rutland Regional remains dedicated to improving the health of families and individuals throughout portions of southern and central Vermont and communities in eastern New York State with preventative, diagnostic, acute and rehabilitative services.
RUTLAND, VT - March 27, Rutland Regional Medical Center
