LEWES (April 11, 2023) – Beginning 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, all Beebe Healthcare campuses and Beebe Medical Group offices will become mask optional for patients, visitors, and team members with a few exceptions based on infection prevention safety.
Beebe has thoughtfully made this decision with federal and state guidance in mind, in addition to examples of other healthcare systems nationally and locally moving toward similar procedures.
“The change to optional masking reflects the end of Beebe’s respiratory season, and current conditions at this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic involving low spread, immunity, and wide access to testing and treatments,” said Bill Chasanov, DO, Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer at Beebe Healthcare. “Beebe leadership will continue to monitor the situation to determine whether team members, medical staff or others will need to wear masks again for the safety of our team and community.”
These considerations include examples such as a rise in respiratory illness and hospitalizations in the area, CDC change in guidelines, or to meet compliance with OSHA, CMS, and the State of Delaware.
Patients and visitors who show signs of respiratory illness will be required to wear a mask and one will be provided. In some circumstances, visitors may not be permitted if they are unwell.
“We want our patients, visitors, and our team members to feel comfortable if they continue to choose to wear a mask because it is an effective tool. Some might be at high risk for respiratory illness, and others might just feel more comfortable wearing one in public,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “Your experience and safety are our priority. Please ask a Beebe team member or care staff to wear a mask around you if you feel it is needed.”
For more information on masking and visitation, visit beebehealthcare.org/patients-visitors/visitor-information.
Beebe Healthcare is a not-for-profit community healthcare system with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health for the people who live in, work in, and visit the communities we serve. Beebe Healthcare has three campuses: the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus, which houses the medical center; the Rehoboth Health Campus; and the South Coastal Health Campus. Beebe Healthcare offers primary care as well as specialized services in the areas of cardiovascular, oncology, orthopaedics, general surgery, robotic surgery and women’s health. Beebe also offers walk-in care, lab, imaging and physical rehabilitation services at several locations throughout Sussex County, in addition to a home health program and a comprehensive community health program.
For more information about Beebe Healthcare, visit beebehealthcare.org.
