Face Masks No Longer Issue At Elmhurst Hospital

ELMHURST, IL — In the early days of the coronavirus crisis, police were called to Elmhurst Hospital about a dispute between an employee and a supervisor about whether to wear a face mask, according to a police said. The worker told police that the supervisor grabbed her by the arm during an argument.

That was reported March 17. It's unlikely any more such disputes will happen. As of last Thursday, Elmhurst Hospital is requiring all employees wear masks. No exceptions.

Employees who work face-to-face with patients have been given surgical masks to be worn throughout the day, the policy states. Those who don't work directly with patients are given cloth masks to wear throughout the day.

Meanwhile, patients, visitors and vendors will be given surgical masks to be worn during the duration of their time at either hospital. They are allowed to wear their own cloth masks.

At this week's City Council meeting, Mayor Steve Morley praised the hospital's policy.

"They are leading by example. Every single person at Elmhurst Hospital, whether they are part of the medical staff or the administrative staff, is wearing a face mask," the mayor said. "I think that it is a good practice."

Under its current policy, Elmhurst Hospital is not allowing guests, but limited exceptions are made.

Read more:

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 8: 13,549 Cases; 380 Deaths

Don't miss updates in Elmhurst as they are announced — Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.