PSA: Masking and COVID-19 Safety Precautions Remain Mandatory at Sierra View Medical Center

Porterville, CA – Jun 29, 2021: Visitors and vendors entering Sierra View Medical Center facilities are still required to wear face coverings and observe mandatory COVID-19 safety precautions in alignment with the latest safety measures issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). While California largely reopened on June 15, 2021, when the Governor put an end to the state’s Stay Home Order and the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, hospitals in the state are held to different standards by law.

State and Federal Mask Guidance for Visitors

The California Department of Public Health aligns with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to issue guidance for mask-wearing for individuals in spaces such as public transit, schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and health care settings. Read the details of the guidance by visiting www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/guidance-for-face-coverings.aspx. Currently, the guidance continues to require mask-wearing inside of hospitals and health care facilities by employees and visitors alike.

“Although some businesses and other venues are operating without requiring face masks for visitors and vendors, Sierra View Medical Center remains mandated by the state and federal government to require the use of masks in all health care settings and long term care facilities,” says Sierra View’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Jeffery Hudson-Covolo, DNP. “As a result, we remind all community members seeking to enter any area of the hospital or outpatient locations to please bring a face mask when visiting.” If visitors do not have a face mask, one will be provided. This mandatory requirement includes all Sierra View Medical Center locations. For a list of all facilities, please visit www.sierra-view.com/locations. For additional visitor information, please visit www.sierra-view.com/visitors.

To help the community better understand the latest masking guidelines throughout the state, the Infection Prevention team at Sierra View Medical is providing answers to frequently asked questions. “We are doing everything we can to keep our patients and community safe. We ask that you please become informed and help spread the word about Sierra View’s safety guidelines,” says Infection Prevention Registered Nurse, Elvia Gutierrez, RN.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I’ve been vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask to enter the hospital?

Yes. Sierra View Medical Center hospital and all outpatient locations will continue to require face masks until new guidance is issued by CDPH and/or the CDC.

2. Where can I go without physical distancing requirements?

CDPH notes that “As of June 15, California retired its Blueprint for a Safer Economy. California’s economy is now fully open. Restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, and most everyday places are operating as normal – with no capacity limits or physical distancing required. However, everyone is still required to follow masking guidelines in select settings.” * Hospitals are part of the select settings where masks continue to be required.

3. If I am fully vaccinated, where can I go without wearing a mask?

According to the CPDH, “Fully vaccinated people may go unmasked in most settings (except public

transportation and places like hospitals and shelters).” *

4. Where can I get vaccinated so that I won’t have to wear a mask in places other than the hospital?

For those wishing to become vaccinated, here are some resources:

• SVMC-Imperial Ambulance Community Vaccination Clinic: Operates Thursdays – Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., at Porterville Veterans Memorial Building, 900 W Olive Ave, Porterville, CA 93257. Visit www.sierra-view.com/COVIDvaccines for more information. For Spanish, please visit www.sierra-view.com/vacunasCOVID.

• MyTurn: Appointments are available and can be scheduled by visiting myturn.ca.gov

• Tulare County Vaccine Locator: covid19.tularecounty.ca.gov/index.cfm/covid-19-vaccine

Sierra View Medical Center is at the forefront of community COVID-19 vaccination in Porterville. Please ask if you have any concerns about masking requirements or COVID-19 vaccination. SVMC Marketing may be reached by phone (559-791-3922) or email (marketing@sierra-view.com).

*Please visit the CDPH’s website regarding guidance for face coverings for the latest information: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/guidance-for-face-coverings.aspx.