Masking Reminder: Masking Precautions Remain in Healthcare Settings

Even as state and federal public health agencies ease masking requirements and social distancing recommendations for those who are fully vaccinated, Mid Coast Hospital will continue to require these precautions.

The U.S. CDC has said that those who are fully vaccinated – meaning people who received their final vaccine dose at least two weeks ago – can safely go without a mask in most indoor and outdoor settings. The guidance remains unchanged for those who have not been vaccinated. The Maine CDC in turn announced that it was lifting a statewide mask mandate in many public settings as of May 24. There are, however, exceptions, including schools, day care facilities, public transportation, and in all healthcare facilities.

The masking requirement applies to all patients, staff and visitors in healthcare settings. Additionally, restrictions on visitors remain in place, and those will be reviewed going forward as appropriate given federal and state guidance and the level of risk in the community.