FHP is updating some of the COVID protocols that were put in place in 2020 to protect patients, visitors and employees at the onset of the pandemic. Based on revised recommendations from the CDC, FHP has moved to self-screening for patients and visitors at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. This means that patients and visitors will no longer be screened by an FHP screener upon entering the hospital. Masking in all public and patient areas of the hospital remains mandatory. 

The CDC advises health care facilities to rely on the ‘community transmission’ rate to guide masking requirements and other COVID protocols. Community transmission measures the presence and spread of COVID. This metric is used in health care settings to allow for early intervention before it strains a health care system and better protects patients. (This measurement is different than the metrics a community uses to assess low, medium and high levels.)

Visitation restrictions at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital remain at level yellow. Existing COVID protocols will continue to evolve and be updated in phases. This phased approach allows FHP to fully operationalize changes and safely move towards pre-pandemic operations.