As COVID cases increase, UVMMC institutes masking for staff

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – As national and Vermont COVID case numbers continue to increase, the UVM Medical Center, is once again instituting a masking policy for staff.

Starting Thursday, staff providing direct patient care are required to wear masks. Masking remains optional in public areas but the hospital encourages people to consider using them.

The policy comes as respiratory viruses are on the rise after the holidays. State health officials Wednesday reported that while hospitalization levels are considered “low,” 59 people have been admitted with COVID for the week ending January 6. That’s the highest in at least two years. Ten outbreaks — three or more cases that are linked — were reported in the last week at various congregate settings around the state.

Five people have died so far this year from the virus.