Oneida, NY – Effectively immediately, Oneida Health will require all patients, residents, visitors, and staff to wear masks in patient care areas. This includes the hospital, skilled nursing, and all its locations throughout Madison and Oneida Counties.
“With the recent increase of COVID-19 and influenza in our community, our Medical Staff and Leadership team believe this is a necessary precaution that will benefit patient care at this time,” said Jason D. Lorenc, MD, FACE, Vice President of Medical Affairs & CMO at Oneida Health.
In addition to masking, Oneida Health also requests that any visitors potentially suffering from a respiratory illness, refrain from visiting. “It’s important that everyone does their part to reduce the unnecessary spread of infectious diseases, especially to those who are elderly or experiencing other health concerns,” said Dr. Lorenc. “We ask everyone to take necessary precautions, including good hand hygiene, social distancing, masking, and vaccination, when appropriate.”
Oneida Health has not changed its current visitor policy but shared it could change in the future based on the rate of infection in the area of COVID-19, RSV, and/or Influenza. “The safety of our patients, residents, and staff is always our top priority,” said Felissa Koernig, President and CEO of Oneida Health. “We will continue to work closely with our Medical Staff and the Madison County Department of Health to monitor trends over the next several months. Our team will remain vigilant in taking the necessary precautions to maintain a safe environment for those we serve.”
Oneida Health encourages all visitors over the next few months to check their website, bbcjville.com, for the most recent masking and visitation policies before their visit.
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About Oneida Health:
Oneida Health is a regional integrated healthcare network based in Oneida, NY operated by Oneida Health Systems, a New York State not-for-profit corporation. From a four-bed hospital in 1899 to a local leader in patient care, Oneida Health has a singular vision for providing the highest levels of patient safety and experience through the perfect pairing of talented medical professionals and state-of-the-art technology. Offering physical rehabilitation, primary and specialty care, lab draw services, an award-winning hospital, and skilled nursing, Oneida Health invests in the health of its communities through a network of services focused on long-term health and prevention.