BJC Healthcare is requiring staff members to wear face masks again when in patient care settings due to increased COVID-19 rates in the region. The requirement went into effect on 12/13/23 and includes all staff who directly interact with patients. There are no changes to guidelines for BJC patients and visitors.

The mask mandate applies to all BJC Healthcare employees who interact with patients and was put in place in response to a seasonal rise in COVID-19 cases. Masks are required for staff when they are in patient-care settings.

Patients and visitors to BJC facilities are not required to wear masks, but it is encouraged, and masks are available near the entrances of BJC’s medical facilities.

COVID-19 cases in the St. Louis region remain well below what they were in 2020 and 2021, but there has been an uptick in cases in recent weeks. As of December 9^th, the average daily case diagnosis in St. Louis County was 144.

Wearing a mask and regularly washing hands can help limit the spread of COVID-19.

BJC will continue to monitor case levels in the region to decide on when to lift the mask mandate for patient-facing staff.