OMC, Mayo asking patients and visitors to wear surgical masks

Olmsted Medical Center is the latest health care provider asking patients and visitors to wear surgical masks while inside its facilities.

OMC says the policy change will take effect Jan. 10. Anyone not wearing a surgical mask will be provided one during the screening process.

“A surgical mask offers a higher level of protection than single-layer cloth masks against contracting or spreading the Covid-19 virus, including the Omicron variant which appears to be more contagious than other variants,” OMC said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

OMC joins Mayo Clinic in asking patients and visitors to wear surgical masks amid the latest wave of infection from the omicron variant.

Last week, Mayo said patients wearing unacceptable masks — such as those with exhalation valves, gaiters, or bandanas — will be required to switch to a medical grade mask, either their own or one provided by Mayo.

Patients and visitors wearing cloth masks will also be asked, but not required, to wear a Mayo-provided surgical/procedural mask.

Cover photo: File / Licensed via Canva