Beebe Healthcare, Lewes, will require patients, visitors, and team members to wear surgical masks at all locations in Sussex County starting on Friday at 7 a.m.
Beebe joins central and southern Delaware healthcare systems Bayhealth and TidalHealth in requiring masks at its locations. ChristianaCare, Wilmington, is strongly recommending masking, but has not issued a madate.
According to a statement, Beebe leaders made this decision in the interest of safety for patients, visitors, and team members to help slow transmission amidst this seasonal rise in respiratory cases. This decision aligns with dozens of healthcare systems across the country.
For Beebe, universal masking applies to all hospitals, emergency departments, cancer centers, outpatient locations, and all Beebe Medical Group practices.
Hospitalized patients can remove masks in their rooms but must wear them elsewhere. Visitors may only remove their masks when eating in the cafeteria and should refrain from eating in patient rooms. This masking requirement does not change the number of visitors a patient can have. A surgical mask or higher level of protection, such as a N95 respirator, is required.
“At Beebe Healthcare, safety of our patients and caregivers must always remain our top priority,” said David A. Tam, CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “We do not take this decision lightly because we understand the impact that masking can have on our community and team members. We must follow the evidence of our data and the guidance from our infection prevention experts. Thank you for your consideration and kindness toward our team members who will be here for you throughout the respiratory illness season.”
Beebe campuses went mask optional in April as respiratory illness season ended. While Covid-19 typically receives the most attention, RSV and influenza can cause hospitalization, which is more likely for older adults with certain health conditions as well as young children.
“Beebe leaders are making this recommendation based on the data we track for community spread of our three main respiratory illnesses, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Covid-19,” stated Bill Chasanov, infectious disease physician and Chief Health System Design Officer. “Beebe undoubtedly remains a safe place to receive care. We are taking masking measures to protect our community and caregivers, so they can continue to provide safe, high-quality care.”
A Lewes area zip code and census tract had among the highest rates of Covid-19 and flu cases. The number of hospitalized Covid patients in Delaware has risen after the holidays to more than 140. The most recent weekly death county was nine, with patients ranging in age from 67 to 91.
For more information on masking and visitation, check out the visitor information page.
