Statement from Tom Talbot, MD, VUMC’s Chief Hospital Epidemiologist:
While community masking requirements have been suspended in many areas, the CDC has not changed its guidance for the use of masks within clinical areas; universal masking is still recommended to protect vulnerable patients and health care workers. Given the uptick in community cases, VUMC will continue its masking policies. The Medical Center will continue to monitor for any changes in CDC guidance as well as changes in local case rates to assess for changes in the policy.