UPMC Rescinds Planned Mask Requirement

PITTSBURGH, PA — Two days after UPMC issued a mask mandate for its facilities, the health care giant now says that masks are recommended but not required.

On Monday, UPMC announced that masks would be mandatory in all of its hospitals and outpatient clinics beginning Wednesday. The requirement was to be for patients, visitors, support persons and staff in patient care areas.

But on Wednesday, a UPMC Facebook page post stated that masks are just "encouraged" at its facilities and would be provided to anyone who needs one. UPMC did not state a reason for the change.

"UPMC closely monitors the spread of respiratory illness in health care settings. We are currently seeing substantial levels of respiratory illness due to several viruses," the post stated. "Masking will help to decrease the risk of spreading these potentially serious respiratory illnesses among our patients and staff."

UPMC still recommends that visitors who aren’t feeling well should consider delaying their visit.

For up-to-date information about masking, call 833-390-9489.