Your Mask Will Still Be Required At Intermountain Hospitals After April 10

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Wearing masks will not be optional at Intermountain Healthcare’s hospitals and facilities, even after Utah drops its statewide mask mandate.

In a statement released Friday, Intermountain noted mask guidelines for caregivers, patients and visitors will remain in place.

“In a year unlike any we’ve ever experienced, caregivers have been extraordinary in keeping each other and our patients safe by following PPE guidelines,” said infectious diseases physician Eddie Stenehjem. “We need to continue to do so.”

Health officials said the risk of transmission of COVID-19 variants remains a concern – especially as people travel between counties and states.

Stenejem noted that masks and face coverings are most effective when they’re used along with physical distancing and frequent hand hygiene.

According to Intermountain:

• Intermountain caregivers working in patient-facing areas or with visitors will continue to follow all PPE guidelines and wear a procedure mask and eye protection.

• Intermountain caregivers in non-patient-facing areas will continue to wear cloth face coverings.

• Patients and visitors should continue to wear cloth face coverings. Masking will continue to be required within all Intermountain hospitals and facilities.

“Our guidelines have worked and it’s important to continue our focus on patient and caregiver safety,” Stenejem said.

The Utah State Legislature passed a bill that sets an expiration date on mask requirements in public spaces, a move that led health officials to push up vaccination eligibility deadlines in order to get more people vaccinated before masks come off.

Several private businesses have also made it clear that patrons and employees will still be required to wear face coverings.

Gov. Spencer Cox has asked Utahns to follow any mask requirements set by businesses even after April 10.