COLUMBUS – As life returns to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic, the three largest healthcare systems in central Ohio are dropping their mask requirements this week.
As cases of COVID-19 and flu-related illnesses declines and immunity increases, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth and Mount Carmel Health System say they will implement a mask-optional policy for patients and visitors who are not displaying symptoms beginning Friday.
Masking may be required for visitors based on specific patient situations, such as when a patient is in isolation and officials with the hospital companies say masks are also recommended for visitors if they are experiencing any respiratory symptoms.
Policies differ slightly for each health system. Details are available on their various websites.
Masks will continue to be made available for those who wish to wear them, hospital officials said.
The national emergency to respond to the pandemic has ended.
President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan congressional resolution yesterday to bring the national emergency to a close after three years, weeks before it was set to expire.