Beacon Health System is requiring all associates, patients and visitors to wear a mask when in any Beacon facility, including Beacon Health & Fitness.

The mask requirement applies to all regardless of vaccination status.

Beacon says the requirement is due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the region, which is experiencing "substantial community transmission," according to the CDC.

Beacon recommends paper, 3-ply masks.

Beacon released the following statement:

Starting Friday, Beacon Health System will once again require everyone, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to wear masks inside any of our facilities, including clinical and nonclinical areas. Following CDC guidance, we are returning to our prior masking requirement because of the increasing number of COVID-19 infections in our community, the increasing number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant. Beacon is committed to making our facilities as safe as possible for our patients and associates.

For information about the vaccine and to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated, please visit the state's coronavirus website.

Members who are uncomfortable about wearing a mask while exercising can contact the membership team to discuss options. You can email them at [email protected] or call South Bend: 574.647.2653 Granger: 574.647.2597 Elkhart: 574.389.5575.