Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 05:00 PM

Masks still required on all Marshall Medical campuses

As state mandate expires, hospital system remains vigilant

As Alabama’s statewide mask order is set to expire this week, Marshall Medical Centers announced it will require employees and visitors to remain vigilant against the COVID-19 virus by continuing to mask throughout the hospital system until further notice.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking our staff, patients and guests to continue to wear a mask in our facilities,” said Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Woodruff. “We want to keep our patients and our staff as safe as possible until more people have been vaccinated and until we see if there will be another surge, as is happening in a number of other states. And, there are still unknowns about the spread of variant strains of COVID. We believe erring on the side of caution is the best thing to do for Marshall Medical Centers.”

Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a “Safer Apart Order” that goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 9 and expires May 5.

Masks have proven to contribute to a safer environment for patients, employees and throughout the community. In its decision to require masks be worn in its facilities, Marshall Medical Centers is following recommendations from the Alabama Hospital Association and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition, the Alabama Department of Public Health continues to promote masking in healthcare facilities, and the Huntsville Hospital System will require masks to be worn throughout its campuses.

While we welcome the progress being made in Alabama to contain COVID-19 and reduce hospitalizations, the state has a long way to go in getting its citizens vaccinated.  As healthcare providers, Marshall Medical Centers’ mission is to set an example by protecting its employees, patients, visitors and the community through masking, sanitizing and social distancing.