With COVID-19 on the Rise, Baystate Updates Masking Policy for Visitors

SPRINGFIELD — In light of the steady increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, both among patients and in the community, Baystate Health is updating its masking policy to require masking at its hospitals and strongly recommend mask wearing in its ambulatory-care settings.

Effective now, masks will be required at all times for visitors over age 5 at Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Children’s Hospital, Baystate Noble Hospital, Baystate Wing Hospital, and Baystate Franklin Medical Center, as well as the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care.

Masking is strongly recommended, but not required, in other ambulatory settings, such as Baystate Medical Practices offices and in non-patient-care locations.

Key data points based on community testing and wastewater surveillance data point to the increase in COVID-19 cases, a trend expected to continue. Baystate Health hospitals and emergency departments also have seen a steady increase in patient volume.

Guidelines for the visitor policy can be found at baystatehealth.org/patients/visiting.