"Mass General Brigham and M.V. Hospital Advocate for Winter Vaccinations, No Patient Mask Mandate"

Mass General Brigham, the largest health system in Massachusetts, has announced that it will not require patients and visitors to wear masks during the upcoming winter months. However, staff may be mandated to wear masks in certain circumstances if respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and others, reach certain levels. The health system will implement a phased approach based on the percentage of patients presenting with respiratory illness symptoms. If the level exceeds 2.85 percent for two consecutive weeks, healthcare personnel will be required to wear masks during direct patient interactions, while patients and visitors will be strongly encouraged to wear masks. The health system aims to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses while monitoring infection levels.