Changes to Garnet Health COVID-19 Policies

Middletown, NY (June 30, 2023) – Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency being lifted, Garnet Health announces the following changes and updates to their COVID policies:

• Masking is no longer required except for those visiting patients who have been diagnosed with, or are suspected of having, an air-borne illness.
• Visitors are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID PCR or antigen test.
• COVID-19 vaccination is no longer mandated for employees or new hires.

Despite these changes, as a health care system whose top priority is the safety and well-being of our patients and staff, we recommend our community members, patients, visitors, and employees to continue being vigilant when it comes to preventing the spread of germs and viruses.

“Garnet Health remains steadfast in our belief that vaccination is key to helping prevent serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19, flu and other potentially severe respiratory diseases,” said Jonathan Schiller, President and CEO of Garnet Health. “We will continue to strongly encourage that all our staff get vaccinated and will offer education and guidance to our patients where and when appropriate.” 

While the public health emergency is over, COVID-19 infection is not. Like any virus, there are steps we can all take to mitigate exposure and spread:

• Follow basic health and hygiene practices like handwashing,
• If you feel sick in any way, stay home,
• Stay up to date on eligible vaccinations, and
• If you suspect you have or were exposed to COVID-19, wear a mask, get tested, and seek treatment options if you have a positive rest result.

About Garnet Health

Garnet Health is a New York State, not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care. Providing healthcare to approximately 500,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskills region. Garnet Health provides the services of more than 4,000 employed professionals and over 850 medical staff members. An academic affiliate of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garnet Health retains compassionate professionals who continually strive toward the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org.