Most Michigan health systems are dropping masking mandates

Most of Michigan’s major health systems are moving to optional masking protocols, more than three years since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Corewell Health, formerly Beaumont Health, said the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, which has dropped significantly across the state, was a major factor in the decision, along with growing options to deal with the viruses, such as vaccines and medical treatments. .

“COVID-19 has become a disease that in most cases will be treated like other respiratory illnesses, like the flu. The virus will likely remain for years to come,” Corewell said in a press release.

All health systems will continue to provide stations with free masks and hand sanitizer at entrances for patients, visitors and team members who choose to use them. Patients can also ask their healthcare teams to wear masks. Masking guidelines could be adjusted again if COVID-19, influenza or any other virus begins to spread rapidly in the community.

Here is a breakdown of policy developments by the Michigan Health System:

Ascent Michigan

• Effective immediately: Ascension Michigan Acute and Ambulatory Care Centers have suspended routine use of hospital-grade masks, except on units providing care to special immunocompromised populations or patients at increased risk of complications from COVID-19. 19. These include Intensive Care Units, Oncology Units/Centres and Transplant Units.

Bronson Health

• Effective Tuesday, April 18: Masking will become optional for patients, visitors, and employees of Bronson Healthcare hospitals and ambulatory care centers, except those with symptoms of respiratory or infectious disease. Masking will continue at Bronson Commons – a skilled nursing facility.

Corewell Health

• Effective Friday, April 14 at 6 a.m.: Optional masking for patients and clinical teams at all hospitals and sites except long-term care facilities and skilled nursing facilities and transplant clinics.

Alliance HealthCare

• Effective Monday, April 17: Masking will be optional for staff, patients, visitors, and volunteers at Covenant facilities, with some exceptions. Details available on the Pact website.

Detroit Medical Center (DMC)

• Effective Friday, April 14: Masking will be optional for patients and staff at all Detroit Medical Center hospitals and locations.

Henry Ford Health

• Effective Friday, April 14: Masks will be optional at Henry Ford Healthcare facilities, with the exception of inpatient areas where we care for immunocompromised patients.

Rehabilitation of the Mary Free bed

• Effective Friday, April 14 at 7 a.m.: Masking is recommended but optional for patients, visitors, and clinical teams at our Grand Rapids hospital campus, Western Michigan outpatient sites, and Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetic + Bionics. The Mary Free Bed Subacute Rehabilitation Program will continue to require masks for patients, visitors and staff.

McLaren Healthcare

• Effective Monday, April 17: Masking will become optional for patients, visitors and employees at all McLaren Health Care hospitals and outpatient facilities, excluding designated intensive care units, Institute of Karmanos Cancer, subacute/outpatient rehabilitation facilities and skilled nursing facilities.

Michigan Medicine

Munson Health

• Effective Friday, April 14: Universal masking will no longer be required in Munson Healthcare hospitals and clinics – with the exception of long-term care facilities and skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, the healthcare system will return to its pre-pandemic visitation policy.

My Michigan Health

• Visitors and patients are no longer required to wear a mask in non-patient care areas, including common entrances, hallways and waiting rooms. Patient care areas are defined as any place where patients are screened, assessed, treated or admitted.

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

• Effective Thursday, April 13: Employees and visitors are no longer required to wear a mask, except in 24/7 patient care facilities and specialty care units. Patients will continue to be screened/tested for COVID-19 on admission and are not required to wear a mask unless they approve of symptoms of illness or are diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.

Trinity Health Michigan

• As of Monday, April 17: optional masking for patients, visitors and colleagues in hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, home care and medical practices, with the exception of residences for the elderly.