Masks still required in health care facilities when visiting or going to appointments
August 10, 2021
In early summer 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relaxed their indoor mask mandates for those individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, those relaxed measures do not apply to hospitals, public transit or congregate settings or businesses that still require masks upon entry. There has been some confusion regarding masks and why they are still required upon entry to all Alaska Native Medical Center buildings and clinics. Currently, there is limited data on vaccine protection in people who are immunocompromised. This means there are many potentially vulnerable people in our hospitals and health care facilities who are unable to receive the vaccine at this time. Many of these people frequent hospitals for care and our goal is to keep our patients, our communities and our staff safe. Wearing masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19 continues to be recommended by the CDC.
We continue to encourage everyone who is able and qualified to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and are the main reason for relaxed guidance by the CDC, as well as state and local governments. Vaccines are available to anyone in Alaska ages 12 and older. Consider scheduling your vaccine appointment today by calling the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center at (907) 729-3300 or visit https://www.anthc.org/covid19/covid19-vaccines/ for more information.