While the CDC recently announced that individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to wear a mask outside or indoors, it is important to note that healthcare settings remain an exception. According to both the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all persons must continue to wear masks in all hospitals, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and physician offices.
In compliance with this guidance, Tower Health will continue its current policies requiring all employees, medical staff, patients, and visitors to wear masks in inside all Tower Health facilities, including all clinical and non-clinical areas such as hallways, dining areas, and common spaces.
“Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of our patients and team members,” said Debra Powell, MD, Chief, Section of Infectious Disease and Medical Director Infection Prevention. “We will also continue to check temperatures of all staff and visitors as they enter our facilities as recommended by the Pennsylvania DOH.”
While cases of COVID-19 continue to drop and vaccination rates increase, we have not yet reached herd immunity and COVID-19 transmission remains substantial in the communities served by Tower Health. Tower Health will continue to assess the risk of COVID-19 transmission and will continue to follow CDC and PA DOH guidelines.
“We know how many people are looking forward to no longer needing to wear a mask,” said Dr. Powell, “but we ask the public to remain vigilant against the virus, especially in healthcare settings. We greatly appreciate the public’s continued use of masks whenever visiting a Tower Health facility.”
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 25 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.