Franciscan Health goes mask optional at Indiana facilities March 27

Franciscan Health, which operates facilities in Mishawaka and Michigan City, will go mask optional for all facilities in Indiana starting Monday, the company announced.

Starting Monday, masks will be optional for visitors, patients and staff inside facilities, with some exceptions.

These exceptions include staff caring for COVID-positive patients and patients suspected of having COVID.

In these environments, staff and patients be will required to wear N95 masks.

Staff performing high-risk procedures, like intubation, related to the COVID virus must also wear masks.

Patients can request a Franciscan staff member wear a mask during an appointment.

Visitors can also choose to wear masks offered at facilities.

Any visitor or patient with symptoms of or exposure to COVID will be encouraged to wear a mask.

This change is in alignment with local, state and federal public health officials, as well as expertise from Franciscan's vice presidents of medical affairs at each location.