As guidance around COVID-19 continues to change, we have updated the Universal Masking standard work. Briefly, masks may now be removed indoors in break rooms and in meeting rooms if an individual is actively eating and/or drinking and is also physically distant from others.
Additionally, masks may be removed when you are outdoors. The Oregon Health Authority strongly recommends that individuals who are unvaccinated or who are at risk for severe COVID-19 disease continue physical distancing outdoors, as well as wear a mask while in crowded outdoor areas.
We recognize these changes are gradual and small, but they are important steps as we carefully move back toward normal. As leaders, we ask for your help to ensure meeting rooms are large enough to accommodate physical distancing, which allows for individuals to take their masks off while eating or drinking. Please hold one another accountable if physical distancing is not possible by respectfully reminding your colleagues and peers to physically distance or don a mask.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our vision that no patient, staff or provider harm is acceptable to us. Please review the full standard work revision. This same communication will also be included in this week’s The Link and Weekly Vitals.