photo by: LMH Health

LMH Health, 325 Maine St., is pictured in May 2021.

Starting today, wearing a face mask will be optional in most LMH Health facilities.

The hospital announced the change in masking guidelines Monday morning via a press release. The release does note, however, that though the shift may be a welcome change for many, it doesn’t mean all masking will go away entirely.

For example, areas with certain immunosuppressed patients and other specified clinical areas will continue to require masking for patient safety; those areas will be clearly identified with signage. And patients, visitors and associates exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections should always wear a mask.

The release also notes that routine transmission-based isolation precautions will remain in place for individuals with certain active infectious diseases, like influenza and COVID. If patients request LMH Health staff wear a mask, they will do so.

“We will adjust masking guidance when needed,” the release continues. “Should our community levels change from low or moderate to the high category or if leadership anticipates changes, we will act accordingly and return to stronger masking guidelines.”