Finally maskless: Redding hospital embraces the end of pandemic guidelines

REDDING, Ca. — For the first time in nearly three years, hospital employees no longer need to wear masks in California.

Governor Newsom ended the state of emergency declaration back on February 28, but Monday was truly the end of pandemic guidelines for those in the medical field. For some staff at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding, it was the first time they got to see their coworkers' smiling faces.

After years of uncertainty, they say it’s nice to have a sense of normalcy back in their halls.

"We can see everybody's face. It's pretty amazing," said a smiling Jon Longo, an R.N. for Shasta Regional.

"Oh my gosh I came to work, I clocked in, and I didn’t have to grab a mask and I was so excited! I was like, ‘this is going to be a great day,'" added Heather Kiser, who oversees clinical education at the hospital. "It’s been a long time, it’s been a long time. And then you feel almost naked because you don’t have anything on your face and you're walking by people in the hallway and smiling, and people can see your smile now. It just takes it to a whole other level of being more personable."

Kiser says being maskless and able to freely engage with patients just raises morale in the hospital, following years of difficulties.

Now, Kiser, Longo, and the rest of their team can once again embrace a normal (and happier) work routine.

Other hospitals in the Northstate-- Mercy Medical in Redding, St. Elizabeth in Red Bluff, and Mercy Medical in Mt. Shasta-- confirmed they also have ditched mask requirements on Monday. However, they say "patients and visitors are encouraged to wear a mask if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness."