Cayuga Health System (CHS) has announced a return to required masking in response to current COVID community and transmission levels in the counties the health system serves.
Effective September 7 at 12:01 AM, masking will be required for staff, visitors, and patients in CHS healthcare facilities except for brief periods while eating and drinking.
Additionally, CHS will continue to conduct Universal COVID testing for all patients admitted to the hospital, in addition to testing for clinical purposes.
The decision to reinstate mandatory masking is prompted by the emergence of a new COVID subvariant, EG.5, which is currently circulating in New York. This subvariant has led to an increase in several key indicators:
- Increased SARS-CoV-2 signal in community wastewater testing.
- A rising number of COVID cases within the community.
- A notable increase in staff members falling ill with COVID.
Fortunately, the number of patients hospitalized with COVID has remained stable, and CHS considers it imperative to take proactive measures to maintain this stability.
- Surgical masks will be available at the entrances to CHS facilities.
- Screening procedures and plexiglass barriers will not be implemented at this time.
CHS appreciates the community’s compliance and help to protect patients and visitors.
what our patients are saying
“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”
“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”
“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “
“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”
