(KNSI) – CentraCare Health is now demanding medical-grade masks and reinstating stricter restrictions for visitors due to the current upsurge in COVID-19 cases. According to CentraCare Health, the flare is due to the highly contagious Omicron variant. The new policies apply to all CentraCare and Carris Health locations.

Beginning Monday, CentraCare will require all patients and visitors (aged two years and older) to wear a medical grade face mask in all healthcare system facilities.

According to CentraCare officials, several studies have shown that some fabric masks may not offer sufficient protection against the virus, and in particular the burgeoning Omicron variant. According to a press release, patients and visitors alike use a wide range of face coverings, making standardization necessary for everyone’s health and safety.

Patients and visitors wearing non-medical grade masks, including cloth masks, gaiters or bandanas, will have medical grade masks available. Masking is mandatory at all CentraCare and Carris Health locations.

“With an alarming increase in the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, we are taking these steps to protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff,” said Dr. George Morris, Incident Commander for COVID – from CentraCare. 19 Answer. “We urge the public to help us during this epidemic by wearing a mask, getting vaccinated and getting vaccinated, and avoiding large crowds or gatherings until transmission decreases in our area.”

As of Tuesday, CentraCare is once again implementing a stricter visitor policy at all of its facilities. In CentraCare / Carris Health hospitals, the only visitors who will be able to enter the facilities are those who are visiting critically ill end-of-life patients, being the parent / legal guardian of a minor, support person / legal guardian of an adult with cognitive impairment. , physical or developmental disabilities, work support, and high-risk procedures requiring in-person discussions of care and informed consent.

Visits in these situations will be limited to one healthy visitor (who must be the same person) for the entire hospital stay. Certain exceptions will apply.

At CentraCare / Carris Health clinics, the only exceptions for visitors are:

• A healthy visitor for adult patients with cognitive, physical or developmental disabilities.
• Two healthy adult visitors for underage patients. Additional minors, in addition to the patient, are not allowed.

All other visitors are not allowed at this time. These restrictions do not apply to our long-term care facilities, which follow separate guidelines.

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