Gundersen updates mask requirements for added protection against COVID-19

In the face of a dramatic increase in local COVID-19 cases and transmission, starting Jan. 12, Gundersen Health System will require all patients and visitors to wear medical-grade masks, cloth masks (tie or ear loop) with a nose wire, or N95 or KN95 masks without vents at all Gundersen locations.

Patients and visitors without those masks will be offered a medical-grade mask during the screening process.

Unaccepted masks include neck gaiters, bandanas, masks with vents, and cloth masks without a nose wire.

This is another step for the best protection against COVID-19. It’s also critical to:

• Get vaccinated and boosted to reduce risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.

• Do the basics like masking and distancing in public, staying home when you’re sick, getting tested, and washing hands often to help prevent the spread of viruses and ease pressure on staff at Gundersen hospitals and clinics.