Masking Updated May 2023

Other than the exceptions noted below, masking is no longer required within the hospital and offsite locations. However, it is encouraged.

EXCEPTIONS:
Patients with COVID or respiratory symptoms, or who are awaiting COVID test results, are required to wear a mask at all times in all locations.

Inpatient Units
  • Associates and medical staff must wear masks when conducting direct patient care.
  • At all other times, Thompson associates, medical staff, and patients are encouraged to wear masks.
Outpatient Units, Primary Care Offices and Offsite Locations (except Urgent Care)
  • Associates, medical staff, and patients are encouraged to wear masks.
  • Associates and medical staff should ask patients’ preference regarding wearing masks; associates and medical staff must wear masks if a patient requests.
M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center
  • Associates and medical staff must wear masks when conducting direct resident care.
  • At all other times, Thompson associates, medical staff, residents, and visitors are encouraged to wear masks.
  • Masks are required by associates, medical staff, residents, and visitors in any area of the facility experiencing an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 or other respiratory infection.
Emergency Department
  • Masking is required for associates, medical staff, and patients in:
    • ED waiting room
    • Triage area
    • Patient rooms
  • Masking is strongly encouraged in:
    • ED hallways
    • Nurses’ station
Urgent Care Centers
  • Masking is required for associates, medical staff, and patients in:
    • Waiting rooms
    • Triage areas
    • Patient rooms
  • Masking is strongly encouraged in:
    • Hallways
    • Nurses’ station

Question? Call 585-396-6663 daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

COVID-19 Related Testing Costs

 

Think you may be infected?

If you have a fever, cough, or new shortness of breath and are concerned about COVID-19,
follow these steps from the CDC  to help prevent your infection from spreading to people in your home and community.


BEFORE visiting your provider's office, Urgent Care, or the Emergency Room,
CALL your health care provider,

or the UR Medicine COVID-19 support line at 1-888-928-0011 for advice.
 

 

Questions

Have questions about infection control and what is being done to protect your loved one from COVID-19?

Email icp@health.ny.govcovidadultcareinfo@health.ny.gov, or covidnursinghomeinfo@health.ny.gov.

What is the Coronavirus Disease?

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease not previously found in humans before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. There are several coronaviruses known to cause upper respiratory infections, from the common cold  to more severe disease such as SARS and MERS.

Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms may appear in 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The virus may cause respiratory symptoms such as:

  • Coughing
  • High Fever
  • Breathing Problems
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

 

How does it spread?

The virus spreads from person to person by small droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread on surfaces, although this is considered less common. 

Prevention

While COVID-19 is grabbing the headlines, seasonal influenza remains a very real threat.

In order to protect yourself and others from the spread of all respiratory viruses currently circulating, please continue the following actions:

  • Be vigilant about proper hand hygiene.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Cover your cough.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.
 

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Resources and Updates  View Latest Updates from URMC

 

THOMPSON'S PREPAREDNESS

Supplies

Supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks and gowns, are closely monitored. Critical diagnostic and medical equipment is also monitored. Shortages are expected and conservation measures that respects patient and staff safety have been put in place across the health system.

Response Team

Thompson Health has brought together a multidisciplinary team to monitor, plan and prepare. We follow all guidance set forth by the NYS Department of Health and CDC and will continue to do so. We will adjust our response accordingly as the situation changes.

Medical Center Staff

The health and safety of our staff is vital to the health and safety of our community. Staff are trained in prevention measures when treating patients who have potentially infectious conditions. Thompson Health also actively promotes hand hygiene for hospital staff.

CDC Updates

image of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)