evidence: Given reduced regional COVID-19 transmission levels, MedStar Health, in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Departments of Health, moved to the following face mask optional guidance across all MedStar Health locations, effective April 10, 2023: - Face masks (N95 respirators or procedure masks) are optional for all asymptomatic associates, patients, and visitors, including those in clinical areas. [...] - Providers may still order masking in a patient’s room, especially for those patients at higher risk of infection.