TidalHealth moves to optional masking at its facilities

SALISBURY, Md. – In response to decreasing respiratory illness cases, TidalHealth has updated its masking policy.

The health system will no longer require mandatory masking at its facilities and instead will move to optional masking.

The requirement for mandatory masking in patient rooms and patient-facing areas was recently put into effect because of the rise in COVID-19, RSV and seasonal flu cases.

Now those masking practices will no longer be enforced thanks to a decrease in those cases.

“It’s definitely improving from what we’re seeing right now, COVID’s been real low, RSV is almost absent now, so we’re in the right place, but I’m happy to see influenza improving, I really am because we had a lot of sick people this year,” said Dr. Chris Snyder, DO, Chief Quality Officer at TidalHealth.

Although masks are no longer required, TidalHealth is encouraging everyone to use their discretion when visiting its facilities.