UMass Memorial Medical Center to reinstate caregiver mask mandate

PHOTO/EDD COTE UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester set up a coronavirus testing tent at its University Campus early in the pandemic.

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By Isabel Tehan

UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester is reinstating its caregiver mask mandate for at least one month amid increasing rates of respiratory illness across Massachusetts.

The medical center is the main hospital of the UMass Memorial Health system, the largest healthcare provider in Central Massachusetts. The center has 818 beds and 7,575 employees spread across three campuses: University, Memorial, and Hahnemann.

Effective Jan. 2, all caregivers will be required to wear masks during all patient encounters, as well as in common areas, including hallways and cafeterias, according to a statement from Dr. Andrew Karson, president of UMass Memorial Medical Group.

Patients will not be required to wear masks, though it will be strongly encouraged. Visitors may be asked to wear a mask at the discretion of UMMC employees if they exhibit symptoms of respiratory illnesses, according to the statement.

“These changes are expected to remain in effect for approximately one month, at which time they will be reevaluated based on current trends. The health and wellbeing of our patients, visitors and employees is our top priority,” Karson said in the statement.

UMass Memorial ended its original masking policy, which remained in effect throughout the pandemic, in May. In August, it temporarily required caregivers across its system throughout Central Massachusetts, not just the Worcester-based medical center, while COVID-19 spread was heightened.