As of Monday, April 27, OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group requires anyone entering an OSF facility to wear a mask. The new guidelines are in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2020-59 and to ensure the health and safety of patients, visitors, vendors, and Mission Partners (employees). Exceptions are made for those younger than two years old or those with medical conditions that prohibit wearing a mask.
“Wearing a mask over the nose and mouth helps to contain respiratory secretions and reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19,” said Nicole Pirlot, infection preventionist at OSF St. Francis. “Masking is additional protection which will address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of the virus, which means spread of the virus from people who are not experiencing any symptoms but have COVID-19.”
Patients are reminded to bring their own personal masks when coming to an OSF facility for an appointment. In addition, visitors and vendors will be asked to wear a personal mask. If a personal mask is not available, a disposable mask will be provided.
All OSF Mission Partners are also being required to wear masks in all OSF facilities, whether personal or provided by OSF HealthCare. OSF Mission Partners who provide direct patient care will be issued appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) by OSF.
OSF St. Francis Hospital has strict visitor guidelines in place and will continue to restrict visitors to one per patient for minors, critically ill patients, those at the end of life, and labor & delivery.
For more information on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including frequently asked questions, please visit the OSF HealthCare COVID-19 digital health hub: www.osfhealthcare.org/covid19/.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and it is not an emergency, please use one of the digital care options offered by OSF. You can connect through Clare, a digital assistant available at osfhealthcare.org, or by calling the 24/7 nurse hotline at 833-OSF-KNOW (833-673-5669).
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