Atlantic General to take phased approach for removing mask mandates

BERLIN, Md. – As COVID-19 positivity rates continue to decline, Atlantic General will take a phased approach to remove masking mandates for associates, visitors, and patients.

Currently, the hospital is in Phase 1, which allows vaccinated associates working in non-patient-facing areas to remove their masks. Masks remain required in all other areas of the hospital and throughout the health system.

Phase 2 is tentatively aimed to begin on April 5th and will allow vaccinated associates working in AGH inpatient nursing areas (2N/S and ICU) to remove their masks when caring for non-Covid and non-PUI patients. Removal of required masking will also apply to other staff when working in these areas. Visitors may remove masks on entry to patient roos when visiting these units, but masks must be worn before exiting patient rooms and returning to the corridor. Masks remain required in all other areas in the hospital, health system, and outpatient treatment areas.

Phase 3 is proposed to begin in April 19th and will allow vaccinated associates working in all other areas, not affected in Phase 2, to remove masks when caring for non-Covid and non-PUI patients. This includes common areas such as cafeterias and waiting rooms as well as corridors. Removal of required masking in these areas will also apply to patients and visitors.

We’re told these updates do not apply to unvaccinated associates, who continue to be required to wear N-95s at all times. If community transmission and positivity rates change, a requirement for masking may be revisited.