Updated guidance reflects increased prevalence of COVID in Clinton and Franklin counties, as well as impacts at both hospitals

MALONE/PLATTSBURGH, NY (09/03/2024) – The University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center (AHMC) and The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) are requiring all employees to resume universal masking and asking patients and visitors to voluntarily do the same, as COVID infection rates rise in communities across both Clinton and Franklin counties and both hospitals see a rise in employee infections.

Universal masking – or the practice of wearing an appropriate face covering for the entirety of an individual’s visit to a hospital, medical office or healthcare facility – has been shown to reduce individuals’ risk of exposure to airborne pathogens like COVID and influenza while indoors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“We strongly encourage all patients and visitors to wear appropriate face coverings while they are in any Alice Hyde or CVPH office or facility,” said Brenda Murphy, BSN, RN, CNML, chief quality and safety officer for both hospitals. “Our strong recommendation reflects a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to safeguarding public health and allowing our patients, visitors and employees to safely navigate a rise in COVID infection rates that is already impacting day-to-day operations at both hospitals.”

Effective immediately, both hospitals will require employees to wear a mask while in in the presence of patients or if they are unable to maintain social distancing of six feet from other health care workers. Employees are also required to wear eye protection when in patient rooms, exam rooms, and while providing direct patient care. The hospitals strongly recommend all patients and visitors wear a mask for the duration of their time in AHMC and CVPH facilities, if they cannot maintain social distancing of at least six feet.

Both Alice Hyde and CVPH have experienced significant impacts in recent weeks, due to the rising number of COVID infections. The hospitals have both experienced rising rates of COVID-positive admissions, emergency department visits by patients with COVID-like symptoms who are ultimately discharged home, and employees taken out of work after testing positive for the virus.

“The health and safety of our patients, their visitors and our employees remain our top priority,” said Becca Shutts, MBA, MSN, RN, Alice Hyde’s chief nursing officer. “We know from experience that health and safety protocols like universal masking are effective at protecting our patients and our people from airborne viruses such as COVID. We strongly recommend that everyone mask up whenever they visit one of our facilities.”

“We are making this change as we see the virus’ prevalence rise in our communities and an increasing number of our employees are taken out of work after testing positive for COVID,” said Carlyn Haag, RN, CVPH’s chief nursing officer. “By taking action now, we can limit the virus’ impact on our patients, our people and our hospitals.”

The updated recommendations stop short of making universal masking mandatory for all patients and visitors – but patients with COVID-like symptoms continue to be required to wear a mask, according to the hospitals’ policies.

Visitors who have tested positive for COVID, or those with COVID-like symptoms, are required to wait 10 days from either their positive test or the onset of their symptoms before entering Alice Hyde or CVPH facilities. The hospitals offer patients and families options like video visits, to ensure patients can connect with their loved ones.

Both Alice Hyde and CVPH have strongly encouraged immunocompromised individuals to continue wearing masks even as they rolled back masking requirements last year.

More information on each hospital’s masking and visitation policies can be found on the Alice Hyde and CVPH websites.

Free surgical/procedural masks remain available at entrances for both hospitals. 

Anyone who develops symptoms of the virus within a few days of their scheduled procedure should contact their provider.