Masking Still Required at Henry County Medical Center and Its Facilities

March 25, 2022

Paris, TN – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that 90% of the U.S. population now lives in a county with a low or medium COVID-19 community transmission level.  This is great news for our communities and means that most of us can finally experience some normalcy in our lives.

The new guidelines for masking released by the CDC are as follows:

  • Low
    • Wear a mask based on your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk
  • Medium
    • If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness
    • Talk to your healthcare provider about additional precautions, such as wearing masks or respirators indoors in public
    • If you live with or have social contact with someone at high risk for severe illness, consider testing yourself for infection before you get together and wearing a mask when indoors with them.
  • High
    • Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk (including in K-12 schools and other community settings)
    • If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness
    • Wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection

The CDC has consistently recognized that healthcare facilities, clinics and long-term facilities are different than other businesses and organizations and advises they continue the existing mask requirements. Henry County Medical Center and Henry County Healthcare Center and its associated Clinics continue to require masks to ensure the safety and health of our patients, families (per recommended guidelines).

Hospitals and health systems have a duty to prioritize the health and well-being of their patients, many of whom are immunocompromised and/or severely sick and weakened and are at risk for the development of COVID-19.  The science overwhelmingly shows that masking, vaccination and social distancing helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Based on the evidence that we have thus far, the CDC continues to recommend universal masking in health care settings even while other settings (such as restaurants, office buildings, gyms, etc.) in the community drop them.

At Henry County Medical Center, we will continue to follow the science and take the steps necessary to protect our patients, especially the most vulnerable.  Until guidelines and recommendations change, please continue to bring your masks with you to HCMC, HCHC, HCMC Medical Clinics, and our ancillary services.  On behalf of our staff and leadership we ask that you be kind and understanding; our primary goal is to do all we can to protect everyone.

For more information, go online at www.hcmc-tn.org.

About Henry County Medical Center
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region.  Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 8 provider clinics in various specialties.  Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.