Good Samaritan Updated Masking Requirements

With Flu and RSV making a high resurgence and COVID still steadily lingering, the country is dealing with a new unpredictable respiratory viral illness season, not so fondly called the “tripledemic.” Effective November 29, Good Samaritan will return masking to yellow status. Masks are an effective source control measure rooted in scientific data.

The yellow status of masking means universal masking will be required in all patient-facing areas at all Good Samaritan locations, as well as in all common areas within Good Samaritan. This masking requirement will remain in effect throughout 2022.

“This decision reflects the overall picture at Good Samaritan from an increasingly concerning respiratory illness season stated,” Adam Thacker, Good Samaritan Chief Operating Officer. “The projections at this time only point to a continued increase in respiratory illness due to a loosening of restrictions as compared to the previous two years, but also in large part due to an unfortunate increase in vaccine hesitancy. Vaccination remains the single most effective tool in the toolbox for mitigating hospitalization and death.” Good Samaritan and community data will be reevaluated as we approach 2023.