An update on COVID-19 measures

Positive COVID-19 cases have decreased in our community, and fewer COVID-positive patients are being admitted to St. Charles’ Bend hospital. The state of Oregon ended its indoor mask requirement on March 12 and, for many, it feels like we are finally starting to put this pandemic behind us.

It is important to remember, however, that COVID-19 is still transmissible, and it is still a threat, especially to unvaccinated people. Here are some things to keep in mind as we move forward:

• Masks are still required in health care settings. This is for your protection and the protection of our caregivers. Please be prepared to follow our masking policy when visiting any St. Charles facility.
• The mask mandate has ended, but people may still make the choice to wear a mask in indoor public spaces such as movie theaters, grocery stores and restaurants. Please be respectful of everyone’s individual choice and comfort level with masking. You never know when someone is immune compromised or simply feels safer with the mask on.
• We are in the process of reviewing our current visitor restrictions. For now, vaccinations are still required for most non-patients entering our facilities. Check our visitor restrictions page on the St. Charles website for the latest updates.
• The state mandate for health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 has not changed. St. Charles will continue to follow state and federal law.
• If you have not yet been vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19, it’s not too late. Vaccination continues to be the most important tool in keeping people from being hospitalized or dying from the virus.
• If you are feeling sick, stay home. Guidance on COVID-19 testing continues to change as we have more access to COVID-19 treatments and home testing kits. Our St. Charles website has many resources that will help you determine when a laboratory test for COVID is necessary.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our communities healthy and safe. We appreciate your support of our efforts to do the same.