CDC: Continue Mask Usage in Health Care Settings

Although the CDC's masking recommendations have recently loosened up for many vaccinated individuals, health care settings are an exception.

Posted in Coronavirus on Wednesday, May 26, 2021

The CDC recently came out with new masking recommendations, notably that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks indoors. However, as is often the case with any COVID-related recommendation, there are certain circumstances and nuances which require better understanding.

Physicians

The American Hospital Association (AHA) went back to the CDC to seek clarification of their new recommendation. As a result, the CDC confirmed that masking for those individuals who are fully vaccinated is still necessary in all health care settings. As of May 17, they provided this statement: “Staff, patients, residents and visitors should continue to wear masks as recommended in all health care facilities.” 

Dentists

The American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends that dentists consider CDC guidance in conjunction with state and local regulations.

Continue to Follow CDC Guidelines

The CDC continues to advocate that all health care facilities should continue to refer to the CDC’s infection prevention guidelines. You can visit the CDC site for recommendations regarding source control and physical distancing. Understand that your patients may not be aware of health care-specific guidelines, so be ready to explain.

Don’t Forget to Document

Remember to stay on top of and document your efforts to abide by all of the federal, state and local guidelines to help mitigate any allegations that you may not have followed the protocol in place at the time treatment was rendered.