Today, May 11, marks the end of the COVID pandemic Public Health Emergency. Given this, as well as current CDC guidance and input from our providers, and considering the patient populations we care for, we are making a change to our masking policy. We are not dropping all masking requirements, and we are aware that other healthcare providers have chosen to do so. We feel our circumstances are different as a community health center. We recognize that, as a community health center, our patients and staff have had disproportionately higher rates of COVID and COVID exposure, and our communities have lower rates of COVID vaccination. Considering these factors, we are committed to providing a safe place for our patients to receive care, and for our providers and clinical staff to provide care. As of Friday, May 12, our masking policy will be as follows:
- Waiting rooms & front desk areas: Masks optional for staff & patients
- Clinical areas: Masks required for all staff & patients
Of course, patients who continue to feel more comfortable wearing a mask at any CRCH location should feel free to do so. We will continue to evaluate our mask policy in the coming months as we emerge from the Public Health Emergency and we will keep you updated about any future changes.
