Silver Cross Hospital Implements Universal Masking For All Staff

NEW LENOX, IL — As the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow rapidly within the region, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has implemented universal masking, which requires all employees and medical staff members to wear a cloth or procedural mask at all times at all Silver Cross locations, the hospital said.

“Our top priority is protecting our patients, staff and medical staff members so we can best serve our communities throughout this pandemic,” Chris Udovich, chief medical officer, said in a release.“We are taking this step now because of evidence that social distancing, while a key strategy for interrupting the spread of coronavirus, is difficult to maintain in the busy patient care environment.”

The hospital said the new protocol includes the use of cloth or procedural masks. Thanks to community donations, Silver Cross is building its supply of cloth masks to help conserve procedural masks.

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“Universal masking is just one way to help contain the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Udovich said. “Please remember to practice excellent hand hygiene, maintain six feet of physical distance from others, cover your cough or sneeze, and stay home when you are sick.”

As of April 2, the hospital has 43 inpatients who have tested positive for coronavirus with another 29 patients classified as persons under investigation. That brings the total inpatient population of confirmed and suspected coronavirus cases at Silver Cross to 72. The hospital said all 72 remain hospitalized in isolation.

Handmade masks and other donations can be delivered to Silver Cross Hospital’s main entrance between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekends.

Read more:

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 2: 7,695 Cases, 157 Deaths