Mercy and SSM Health facilities, including Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City and SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, lifted their mask mandates on Wednesday, March 15.
“Masking relating to COVID-19 precautions will be optional in all Mercy facilities, including clinical spaces,” Mercy spokesman Joe Poelker said.
Poelker said Mercy physicians, providers, other employees, patients and visitors no longer have to wear masks, although there are exceptions.
The following people must continue to wear masks:
■ Those who are symptomatic for COVID or have been exposed to COVID within the previous 10 days.
■ Those in a clinical space who are experiencing a COVID outbreak.
■ Those who are caring for or visiting patients on isolation (needs will vary based on infection).
■ Employees who have not received influenza or COVID vaccinations (until at least March 31, 2023).
Poelker said Mercy requires staff to receive the flu and COVID vaccines, although some are granted exemptions.
“We do grant medical and religious exemptions to that vaccination requirement,” Poelker said. “Co-workers who received an exemption and are not vaccinated for one or both of those viruses must continue to wear a mask through at least March 31. That matches our flu vaccine and masking policy prior to the COVID pandemic.”
SSM Health still will adhere to screening protocols and will require masks for patients with known or suspected COVID-19 infections, as well as anyone experiencing upper respiratory infection symptoms, the hospital system said on its website.
Poelker said this change is based “on new data available and reviews of declining cases” across Mercy’s communities.
“Mercy is asking everyone to be cautious if they experience new symptoms, and masks will still be available for those who want them,” he said.
Poelker added that patients may request their providers remain masked.
He said Mercy will continue to review all pertinent data and may need to re-enact masking requirements in the future when and where it becomes necessary.
