Masking related to COVID-19 precautions is now optional in all SSM Health, Mercy, St. Luke’s, and BJC hospital facilities for patients, families, and healthcare providers. Patient screening questions for COVID symptoms will continue, and masks will still be available at hospital and clinic entrances in some of these facilities. Patients may also be required to wear masks in certain areas within the hospital. According to the CDC, people should mask to protect immunocompromised individuals, especially in high-risk areas. Wearing a face mask indoors in a public place is effective in reducing the spread of COVID and other viruses.

The change in masking requirements was made due to a decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations along with effective vaccinations and treatments. Masking can be reinstated if COVID community levels begin to increase.

Hospitals recommend that masks should be worn by anyone who is symptomatic, was exposed to COVID-19 within the last 10 days, is not vaccinated, or is at an elevated risk for getting COVID-19.

According to a CDC study, cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95/KN95 masks showed a increased effectiveness at lowering positive cases for COVID. 

BJC still requires masks for certain medical conditions and allows patients to request their doctor to wear a mask.

St. Louis Department of Health is encouraging hospitals to continue to monitor the levels of COVID and other respiratory viruses to protect people at risk.