MVHS drops mask requirement

UTICA, N.Y. — The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) announced it will no longer require masking at its facilities, effective immediately.

MVHS’s infection-prevention team has tracked community transmission levels of COVID-19 in Oneida County and surrounding areas, as well as among patients and staff.

At this time, transmission levels have dropped enough where masking is no longer required, according to a press release from MVHS.

According to the New York State Department of Health, flu is still prevalent, which means unvaccinated staff members must still wear a mask while in areas where patients or residents may be present, MVHS noted.

Other individuals may choose to wear a mask based on their personal preference.