After much consideration, Ochsner Health is adjusting its mask policy effective Wednesday, June 8. Masks are now optional for patients, visitors, and employees in most areas of our facilities. Visitors and staff will continue to mask in areas where our most immunocompromised patients are cared for including transplant units, hematology/oncology units, infusion areas, NICUs and select patients in ICUs. Signage will be visible in these areas and masks are available to those who need them.
Individuals who wish to wear masks are welcome to do so, and patients may request that their physicians and care teams wear masks for appointments. We encourage everyone to continue assessing their personal risk and comfort level with masking.
Today, we have more tools and treatments for COVID-19 than ever before, including highly effective and safe vaccines. We encourage everyone to stay up to date on their vaccination schedule and boosters to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19.
Ochsner will resume routine visitation for COVID-19 negative patients, including inpatients, outpatients, and procedural areas. Visitors will be asked to leave if they exhibit symptoms of respiratory infection, have tested positive for COVID -19 in the last ten days, have a pending COVID-19 test for symptoms, are unable or who do not comply with current policy.
Fully vaccinated visitors may remove their masks while in a single patient’s room if the patient and visitor agree. Any member of the treatment team may request that visitors wear masks in their presence.
Patients who are positive for COVID-19 will be allowed no more than two visitors per day between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Visitors must remain in the patient’s room at all times, wearing appropriate PPE. There are special circumstances in which more than two visitors will be allowed, including:
**Skilled Nursing Facilities are excluded from this document and will follow LDH guidance. **
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