Montage Health implements masking requirements in patient care areas to protect workers, patients, and visitors from respiratory illness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monica Sciuto, Montage Health, monica.sciuto@montagehealth.org, (831) 622-2756
MONTEREY, CA — To protect patients, staff, and visitors during respiratory virus season, masks are required for everyone in all Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula patient care areas irrespective of flu, COVID-19, RSV, or other vaccination status starting November 1, 2024.
For other Montage Health facilities, masks will be recommended for patients and visitors and required for staff in patient care areas. These locations include but are not limited to MoGo Urgent Care, Community Hospital outpatient services, Montage Medical Group, and Ohana.
The policy is in effect from November 1 through January 31, 2025, with the date subject to extension depending on the status of respiratory illness in the community.
“As healthcare professionals, we are entrusted to provide a safe environment for our patients and everyone who walks through our doors,” says Dr. Martha Blum, Director of Infection Prevention, Montage Health. “During respiratory virus season, these measures improve the safety of our healthcare environment for all, including the most medically vulnerable who are under our care.”
Masks help prevent the spread of viruses for those in the early stages of an infection who may be asymptomatic but contagious, and they also provide some protection against exposure and infection. Masking decreases the risk of viral transmission regardless of vaccination status, which is especially important now as annual flu vaccinations and COVID-19 boosters are lower in Monterey County than previous years.
Montage Health prioritizes the safety and health of our community and strongly recommends vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can safely receive the flu and RSV vaccine, and all three vaccines can be given in the same visit.
Prevent illness during the upcoming respiratory virus season by taking measures including getting vaccinated, washing your hands often, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow. If you do get sick, get tested and minimize contact with others.
Visitor and masking guidelines are subject to change. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness, visit montagehealth.org/respiratory.
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About Montage Health
Montage Health is a nonprofit healthcare organization with deep roots in Monterey County dating back more than 90 years. Independent and locally owned, Montage Health was created by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula to deliver exceptional care beyond the hospital. Montage Health includes MoGo Urgent Care, Montage Wellness Center, Montage Health Foundation, Montage Medical Group for primary and specialty care, Aspire Health, and Ohana, the family-focused mental health program for youth. Montage Health is continually investing in healthcare innovations to make the highest standard of care accessible to everyone in Monterey County. Learn more at www.montagehealth.org.
