OSF HealthCare tightens visiting rules as respiratory illnesses spread, recommends masks

SYCAMORE – Mask-wearing is once again being recommended and changes to the visitation protocol have been implemented at OSF HealthCare facilities due to “widespread respiratory illnesses” in Illinois, company officials confirmed Thursday with Shaw Local News Network.

Paul Arco, media relations coordinator for OSF HealthCare, wrote that changes to OSF HealthCare mask policy, which previously didn’t recommend mask-wearing for individuals who weren’t known to be sick, were driven by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

“The decision to recommend masking was made by our leadership based on the CDC’s tracking of respiratory illness in our communities,” Arco wrote.

The change to recommend masking for patients and visitors at OSF HealthCare facilities was implemented Dec. 31, according to a company statement provided by Arco.

OSF took over Dixon’s KSB Hospital on Jan. 1, renaming it OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center.

Colleen Reynolds with OSF HealthCare wrote that the mask-wearing “is a recommendation, not a mandate.”

Overall, respiratory virus activity levels in the U.S. were high entering the new year, according to CDC data. Illinois currently has moderate respiratory illness levels, according to the CDC.

That data and company observations are what led to OSF’s new mask recommendation and was directly referenced in the policy statement.

“Due to widespread respiratory illnesses in our communities, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV, OSF HealthCare recommends masks to be worn by patients and visitors,” Arco wrote.

Masking isn’t the only change of OSF facility protocols. Additionally, the number of adult visitors will capped.

“To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, we are temporarily asking for a limit of two adult visitors (ages 18 and older) per patient at a time,” Arco wrote. “Exceptions will be made for special circumstances such as end-of-life situations.”