OSF will require everyone to wear masks

Posted on April 30, 2020
OSF St. Joseph
Also starting Monday, OSF St. Joseph will allow one essential visitor per patient to enter the building. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Anyone entering OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center will be required to wear a mask.

The new requirement starts May 4, according to a news release. Exceptions are made for those younger than two years old or those with medical conditions that prohibit wearing a mask.

“Wearing a mask over the nose and mouth helps to contain respiratory secretions and reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. I wear a mask to protect you and you wear a mask to protect me,” said Lynn Fulton, president of OSF St. Joseph. “Masking is additional protection which will address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of the virus.”

Patients will be given a mask to wear while interacting with medical staff if they don’t have one of their own. In addition, visitors and vendors will be asked to wear a personal mask. If a personal mask is not available, a disposable mask will be provided.

Also starting May 4, OSF St. Joseph will allow one essential visitor per patient to enter the building. Visitors will be screened at the main entrance for temperature and symptoms before going to the patient’s room. Visitors should bring their own personal mask, if they have one.

More information is available here.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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