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The masking requirements and enhanced visitation restrictions that have been in place at Ballad Health since Jan. 2 to protect patients, team members and the community, have been lifted, effective Wednesday, Jan. 22. Ballad Health facilities can now return to normal masking and visitation protocols.

A rapid surge of respiratory illnesses raised two concerns: First, the protection of patients who are potentially vulnerable (older than 65, younger than six, or who have chronic medical conditions), and second, the impact on staffing when team members contract the illness and cannot work. 

These masking requirements and enhanced visitation restrictions required Ballad Health team members and allied healthcare providers to wear a mask in patient care areas and during any patient interactions and had limited visitation to patients, as per their Enhanced Visitation Restriction policy. Upon re-evaluating regional flu data and their staffing situation, Ballad Health has decided to lift these temporary safety measures. 

This applies to all hospitals and outpatient care sites, including all Ballad Health Medical Associates offices and long-term care facilities.

Masking will still be required during high flu spread for team members with flu shot exemptions, as per Ballad Health policy. 

While the situation has improved across the region, Ballad Health continues to see flu, norovirus and COVID cases, so practicing normal infection prevention measures is still important. The dominant strain in the region is Influenza A, and it continues to be a concern. Particularly vulnerable are people older than 65, younger than 6, or who have chronic medical conditions.

Flu tests are offered at any Ballad Health Urgent Care or retail pharmacy location, or by contacting Ballad Health Virtual Urgent Care. You can also ask your primary care provider for a flu test.