Presbyterian Healthcare to modify mask policy on April 16

Several of New Mexico’s top healthcare services, including Presbyterian Healthcare Services, recently announced they will change their mask policies next week.

Presbyterian operates Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari and a small clinic in Logan.

While New Mexico’s public health order expired on March 31, the four health systems are set to implement the masking update on April 16 to ensure there was additional time to protect team members, patients and their families during the current respiratory illness season, according to a joint news release.

For patients and visitors, face masks will be optional on April 16 in all settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories and patient lobby areas, with some exceptions.

If a patient or visitor has respiratory symptoms, that individual will be asked to use a face mask.

Face masks requirements also may be re-instituted if community transmission rates for COVID, RSV, influenza, measles or other contagious viruses significantly increase.

Healthcare workers who want additional protection are encouraged to continue masking.

Additionally, medical units with particularly vulnerable populations should continue universal masking, the release stated.

In addition to Presbyterian, Lovelace Health System, UNM Health and Christus St. Vincent made the announcement regarding mask mandates.