A mask mandate set in place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for hospitals and health care facilities in New York state expired Sunday, leaving organizations to manage their own policies about masking in their facilities moving forward. 

In Central New York, a universal masking mandate based on local transmission levels will remain in place at St. Joseph's Health, Crouse Hospital and Upstate University Hospital, according to their spokespersons Monday. 

"As transmission levels in the Syracuse area continue to remain high, employees, patients and visitors entering St. Joseph’s Health facilities are still required to wear masks, in accordance with CDC recommendations and Trinity Health policies. As a healthcare organization, we care for the most vulnerable of our communities and COVID and Influenza remain a risk. The safety of our colleagues and patients remains our top priority," said St. Joseph's Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Phillip Falcone.

At Upstate, similar rules will apply with masking required for all its hospitals and outpatient areas for staff, students, volunteers and visitors. Crouse will also continue with universal masking rules based on the community transmission rate.