Heritage Valley Health System is rolling back mask requirements for the first time in over three years.
Masks are now optional in common areas like hallways, cafeterias and waiting rooms.
President and CEO Norm Mitry told Rick Dayton he made the announcement to employees late last week.
“For certain areas, it’s time to relax the masking requirement,” said Mitry. “And you would have thought we gave them $1,000 bonus. Employees were thrilled.”
Masks are still required at Heritage Valley in many hospital settings and for patients receiving certain treatments like blood testing or radiation.
They are among the first Pittsburgh-area health systems to do away with masking requirements since the pandemic.
Restrictions remain in place at Allegheny Health Network and UPMC.
AHN provided the following statement. "We are in the process of reviewing our policy on this and will keep you apprised of any imminent changes."