AnMed reinstates mandatory masking policy, remains vigilant to COVID-19

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Over the past several weeks, AnMed has been closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) community transmission levels and its impact to the overall health of our community.

(Anderson, S.C. – June 20, 2022) –  As a result of recent numbers, and with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), AnMed will be reinstating its mandatory masking policy effective Thursday, June 23.

In order to continue protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19, all staff, physicians, contract workers, volunteers, students and visitors must wear a mask at AnMed facilities at all times. AnMed continues to encourage all staff, patients and visitors to keep a safe distance while in the hospital, wash their hands often and self-monitor for illness.

The CDC currently designates Anderson and its surrounding Upstate counties as having a high community transmission level of COVID-19. Likewise, according to AnMed  Chief Physician Executive Brad Mock, M.D., the health system has experienced increased numbers of COVID-positive inpatients, elevated numbers of staff out with COVID, and an increasing positivity rate among tests performed at AnMed.

“With numbers on the rise, while not at the highest we’ve seen, we want you to know that we are taking every precaution to protect our employees, patients and visitors while maintaining our highest quality and service standards,” said Mock.

“The CDC has two terms, ‘community transmission’ which refers to measures of the presence and spread of COVID-19, and ‘community levels’ which refers to measures of the impact of COVID-19 in terms of hospitalizations and healthcare strain,” he clarified. “The CDC is recommending that healthcare organizations focus on community transmission.”

According to the CDC, residents of communities with high levels of COVID-19 should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, wear a mask indoors in public and get tested if they develop symptoms.