Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor is requiring all clinical staff to wear masks during patient care starting Wednesday.
The hospital is citing a surge in flu activity across Maine and the US as a reason to step up safety and require staff members to wear masks.
Eastern Maine Medical is not requiring patients and visitors to wear masks, but is encouraging them to do so, especially if they don’t feel well.
Widespread masking requirements for all staff, patients, and visitors were commonplace at hospitals across the country during the pandemic.
The mask requirement for staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center takes effect at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, and applies to all staff involved in patient care.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now listing Maine as one of 30 states with “very high” flu activity.
Eastern Maine Medical says masking will remain optional in waiting areas, lobbies, and the hospital café. Visitors under age 10 are not permitted, according to the hospital.
Enhanced infection control protocols will continue in high-risk areas, including the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, pediatrics, and obstetrics.
The hospital says the measures are intended to protect vulnerable patients, reduce the spread of illness, and ensure continued access to care during the peak of flu season.