Blanchard Valley Health System updates masking policy
Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has updated its organization-wide COVID-19 masking policy in response to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
Effective Thursday, October 6, 2022, vaccinated BVHS associates working in non-clinical areas will be able to unmask in specified areas during all transmission levels.
BVHS clinical-working associates will continue to mask, regardless of vaccination status, during periods of high transmission, as defined by the CDC.
Visitors and patients will continue to be screened and if asymptomatic, with no known exposures, will be encouraged but not required to wear a mask. Masks will be readily available for all visitors and patients.
Birchaven Village and Independence House are required to follow their regulatory criteria and may be more stringent in their masking protocols. Please follow posted instructions when entering these facilities.
BVHS will continue to monitor the regulatory guidance provided as changes are announced and will modify and communicate the masking requirements as necessary.
For more information about COVID-19 efforts and guidelines at BVHS please visit www.bvhealthsystem.org/guidelines
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Bluffton Middle School Honor Roll for 1st Quarter, 2026-2027
- Bluffton alumni to discuss lives and vocations in ministry
- Letter: Honoring 20 years of land preservation in West Central Ohio
- Prairie restoration research program on Nov. 20
- Bluffton Lions to hear presentation on humanitarian and disaster relief
- Separate the wheat from the chaff: Multi-ingredient botanicals for cholesterol
- Bluffton Council recap: $5,000 donated for Blaze lights installation
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, November 2-8
- Veterans invited to Bluffton American Legion programs on Veterans Day
- James Raymond Harrod, Jr., 64, was a PGA professional
- Nathan Ulrey, 46, served in the Navy Seabees
- Letter: Thank you, Coach Richards
- Big Brothers Big Sisters launches 2026 year-end giving campaign
- Socktober drive collected 659 pairs for local distribution
- Jeanne Previte, 80, owned and operated Jeanne's Kitchen
- Bluffton Elementary Honor Roll for 1st Quarter 2026-2027
- Lego scarecrow earns GROB top honors from voters
- Former Blufftonite is lieutenant governor-elect of South Carolina
- University to stage costume drama that mixes emotion, humor and contemporary references
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll for 1st quarter of 2026-2027
- Nov. 13 chamber program on Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Monday, November 9, 2026
- Healing and life beyond incarceration explored at Forum
- Nov. 12 opportunity to learn Mahjong
- Door hanger craft class at Pandora library, November 17
- BPL after school movie, November 16
- Hailey's Wellness and Massage provide chair massages at Senior Center
- Bluffton area Women in Business Meeting November 19