NORFOLK, Va. – Sentara Healthcare has announced that masks are no longer required at its healthcare facilities, including R-M-H in Harrisonburg, effective today.

Katherine Hughes, Vice President of Operations at Sentara R-M-H, said the system’s COVID-19 Task Force has closely monitored COVID-19 activity for the past three years, using scientific data to guide their decisions throughout the pandemic.

Hughes added that health systems across the country are currently seeing a steady decrease in COVID-19, R-S-V, and flu patients.

Sentara says people who are seeking treatment for a viral illness, like COVID-19 or the flu, should continue to wear a mask to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Healthcare workers treating patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 must still wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.

The hospital system says all healthcare professionals will continue to follow infection prevention protocols.