A message from Lake Chelan Health

information released

On Monday, April 3, 2023, Washington State Department of Heath (DOH) will remove the Secretary of Health Mask Order that requires masking in healthcare, long-term care, and adult correctional facilities for people age 5 and older.

While there is the removal of the Secretary of Health Mask Order, it is still possible to contract and transmit COVID-19, FLU, RSV, TB and other infectious diseases that pose a risk to infecting others. For this reason, it is recommended (not required) that staff, outpatients, and visitors should still utilize a well-fitting mask.

Masking at LCH Hospital, Primary, Express Care and Specialty Care clinics will still be required for certain situations and recommended when:

  • There has been close contact or a higher-risk exposure (healthcare providers) with someone with COVID-19 for a total of 10 days after their exposure
  • During COVID-19 outbreaks
  • Have been directed to utilize source control by public health authorities
  • Are experiencing respiratory symptoms (e.g., runny nose associated with seasonal allergies)
  • Visitors will not be permitted if they have been positive for COVID-19 within previous 10-days, are having COVID-19 Symptoms or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and are unable to be tested or wear a mask.

Required masking for patients, employees, and visitors will be implemented when Chelan County COVID-19 transmission rates are high and/or when employee COVID-19 illness prevalence rates exceed hospital-defined thresholds.

Lake Chelan Health (LCH) staff, patients and visitors are encouraged to voluntarily wear a mask or a higher-level of respiratory protection (e.g. N95) in clinical settings as a measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, respiratory illness, and other communicable diseases to highly vulnerable individuals who are susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19. People experiencing cold or flu symptoms (even if COVID negative) should stay home. For emergencies dial 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency room.

The health and safety of our staff, patients and visitors is our priority and we appreciate your patience and understanding when visiting Lake Chelan Health.

For additional information, please visit the LCH website.