Dear Patients and Families,
Over the past 3 years patients and providers have been masked to reduce risk of COVID transmission. However, it is very clear that masking during illness has reduced transmission of ALL communicable diseases – including strep, flu, and RSV. While COVID numbers are dropping and we acknowledge the need to make some changes to our masking policies at CMO, we will continue to require masking for some clear indications in order to protect our patients and ourselves from illness.
Beginning May 12th, most patients and families will not need to wear a mask in our office. However, you do still need to wear a mask if you are able to and if you have:
If you are asked to wear a mask by one of our staff members or providers, we expect that you will comply with this request.
Individuals who prefer to wear a mask while in our office regardless of their symptoms or exposures are welcome to do so.
Our providers and staff will remain masked for higher risk visits and for their own comfort level. If you are masked and would feel more comfortable if your provider is also masked, please feel free to ask them to do so.
Please note that the Department of Public Health is continuing to track COVID-19 in the community, and masks may become required again in our office if there is an increase in respiratory illnesses. For the safety of our patients and staff, we ask that you respect this request.
Beginning on Tuesday, May 16th we will no longer be asking COVID-specific screening questions before a visit. However, please let us know if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 10 days or have any of these symptoms; fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or loss of taste or smell.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have made our way through many changes throughout the last three years of the pandemic. We look forward to a calmer and healthier future together.