Masks required for Mayo patients, visitors

Patients and visitors are now required to wear a personal homemade or cloth mask while on any Mayo property and are highly encouraged to bring their own cloth masks to help conserve the supply of surgical masks for front-line medical staff.

For people who do not have a mask, Mayo Clinic Health System will provide one. Visitor restrictions remain in place until further notice with few exceptions.

This decision is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mayo Clinic experts, according to a news release.

Patients and visitors will see staff providing direct patient care wearing surgical masks. In procedural areas, additional personal protective equipment will be worn by staff according to Infection Prevention and Control guidelines. This additional equipment may include eye protection.

Staff working in non-patient care areas also may be wearing a mask.

“Your understanding and your compliance with these mandatory guidelines is greatly appreciated,” Mayo said.