BREWER, Maine — Northern Light Health announced Thursday it will lift the universal mask mandate at all of its facilities.
While the rescindment applies statewide, masks will still be required in certain areas, such as cancer care and infusion centers, Northern Light said in a news release.
“We have been working closely with clinical leaders for several months to determine the right time and right way to move away from universal masking. The downward trend in community infection and hospitalization rates for respiratory illness, coupled with careful planning to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, indicate we’re ready,” Glenda Dwyer, senior vice president of clinical operations and chief access officer, said in the release.
According to the release, face masks will still be required in the following areas at Northern Light Health facilities:
- At cancer treatment and infusion centers
- For people who have signs of respiratory illness (with or without fever) like congestion, cough, runny nose, and sore throat, people who have been diagnosed with a respiratory illness (COVID-19, flu, etc.), or people who had a known exposure to COVID-19 (within 10 days)
Northern Light Health said it still welcomes patients and staff to continue to wear a mask if they choose. Masks will still be provided at all facilities should staff or patients want to use one.
"Patients are welcome to request care team members wear a mask while receiving care," the release said.
The rescindment of the universal mask mandate at Northern Light Health facilities goes into effect beginning Thursday, April 20.