Due to low community transmission rates, COVID levels at MCH and the surrounding community being within Centers for Disease Control-recommended guidelines and increased public immunity, Monadnock Community Hospital has lifted its masking requirement.
Masks are now be optional for everyone without COVID-19 symptoms at the MCH main campus, as well as Jaffrey Family Medicine and Antrim Medical Group. Masks are optional for all people, including employees, patients, contractors, visitors and volunteers.
While masking is now optional, individuals will need to mask in the presence of the following: signs or symptoms of respiratory illness such as congestion, cough, fever, runny nose and sore throat, a diagnosis of respiratory illness such as COVID or the flu or a known exposure to COVID within the previous seven to 10 days.
MCH is mask-friendly and will continue to offer masks at no cost in its locations. Anyone who chooses to wear a mask for medical reasons or personal comfort is encouraged to do so, and MCH will support anyone who wishes to continue masking. If people would like any member of MCH staff who is caring for them to wear a mask, please let the staff member know.
“I am very grateful for everyone’s cooperation over the past three years to keep our community safe as we navigated the pandemic. Thank you for supporting MCH and our patients and staff. We are all in this together. We look forward to seeing your smiling faces!” stated hospital President and CEO Cynthia McGuire.
Monadnock Community Hospital will continue to monitor the data and will reevaluate masking requirements if there is a COVID-19 surge, or the CDC revises its guidance in the future.