Columbia Memorial Health hospital in Hudson continues to require masks on visitors. On Feb. 12 New York state health officials began allowing COVID-19 mask mandates in hospitals and other health care facilities to end, acting state Health Commissioner James McDonald said. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks Columbia and Greene counties "low" for "COVID-19 Community Level." Dutchess, Ulster, Rensselaer, and Albany counties all are ranked as "medium" for COVID-19 as of Feb. 12. The Hudson hospital put out a statement on social media explaining why they are keeping masks on visitors. The statement said, "The CDC recommendations are based on local COVID-19 Community Transmission Levels, which remain high in Columbia, Dutchess, and Greene County.... Based on high Community Transmission levels, CMH continues to require face masks in all areas where patients could be encountered. This applies to our staff, visitors, vendors, and anyone in an area where patients may be encountered."