Blog 8/29/23

Equitas Health COVID-19 Masking Guidelines

The health and safety of Equitas Health patients is our top priority.

We follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for updates about COVID-19 cases and masking rules.

The number of COVID-19 cases in hospitals across the country has dropped, and on May 11, 2023, the CDC said COVID-19 was no longer a Public Health Emergency.

How does the CDC track COVID-19?

The CDC tracks the number of hospital stays due to COVID-19 by county in each state. When that level is high, people are asked to wear a mask in public to prevent the spread of the virus.

The number of cases in Ohio hospitals right now is at a low level, and people do not have to wear a mask.

Equitas Health no longer requires patients and staff to wear masks. This includes:

• Health Centers
• Pharmacy
• Mental Health & Recovery Services
• Dental Care
• BRAVO
• Safe Point

What if I feel more at ease wearing a mask?

Mask use in public and at Equitas Health is up to each person. Patients, clients, and staff can choose to wear a mask at any time.

• Patients can ask any Equitas Health doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to wear a mask when they are in an exam room with them.
• Any person with a weakened immune system that puts them at higher risk should talk to their doctor about wearing a mask.
• Any person who thinks they have been exposed to COVID-19 should wear a mask and get tested.

Equitas Health patients, clients, and staff DO have to wear a mask if:

• They have COVID-19 symptoms like a cough, fever, chills, or sore throat.
• They have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• They test positive for COVID-19.

If you don’t have a mask when you arrive, Equitas Health will provide one for you.

People who test positive should wear a mask for 10 days from their positive test result or 10 days from the first signs of the virus.

You can get a COVID-19 test at our health centers or get vaccinated in one of our pharmacies. For more info, visit equitashealth.com/covid-19.