MIDDLETOWN, NY and HARRIS, NY — Due to the lifting of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Garnet Health has announced the following changes and updates to their COVID policies:

Masking is no longer required except for those visiting patients who have been diagnosed with, or are suspected of having, an airborne illness.

Visitors are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID PCR or antigen test.

COVID-19 vaccination is no longer mandated for employees or new hires.

 Despite these changes, as a healthcare system whose top priority is the safety and well-being of our patients and staff, we recommend our community members, patients, visitors and employees continue to be vigilant when it comes to preventing the spread of germs and viruses.

“Garnet Health remains steadfast in our belief that vaccination is key to helping prevent serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19, flu and other potentially severe respiratory diseases,” said Jonathan Schiller, president/CEO of Garnet Health. “We will continue to strongly encourage all our staff get vaccinated and will offer education and guidance to our patients as appropriate.”

While the public health emergency is over, COVID-19 infection is not. As with any virus, there are steps we can all take to mitigate exposure and spread:

Follow basic health and hygiene practices like handwashing.

If you feel sick in any way, stay home.

Stay up to date on eligible vaccinations.

If you suspect you have or were exposed to COVID-19, wear a mask, get tested and seek treatment options if you have a positive test result.