The CDC revised its COVID-19 guidance and no longer recommends universal masking in the health care setting.

The CDC issued the updates late last week and they apply to a broad range of health care settings, including hospitals, doctor's offices, long-term care facilities and home health agencies.

Although the updated guidance states such settings could choose not to require patients, visitors and staff to wear a mask, the CDC still recommends facilities to require masks if they are in areas of high COVID-19 transmission.

So, what can you expect from some Tri-State hospitals?

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison, Iowa, Culbertson Memorial in Rushville, IL, McDonough District Hospital and Samaritan Hospital in Macon, MO will all still require masks in the facility.

Blessing has already dropped some of their restrictions that do not require visitors or patients to wear masks and the same goes for Hannibal Regional Hospital.

However, although they do not require masks at this point, that could change in the future.

And then there is Illinoi Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL, Memorial Hospital in Carthage, IL and Pike County Memorial in Louisiana, MO do not require masks, unless an individual has symptoms or is feeling sick.

Some healthcare providers have expressed concerns that this could cause COVID numbers to start increasing again, but they are keeping a close eye on that.