All About Masks

Coronavirus
Regardless of your vaccination status, masks are required at all CMC locations—whether you're coming in for care, accompanying a patient for care or visiting a patient. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to work together to beat the pandemic. 
  • Procedure, KN95 & N95 masks are permitted 
  • Cloth masks & gaiters are not permitted

 


What our experts are saying
CMC's Director of Infection Prevention, Ashley Conley, MS, CPH, CHEP, shares her knowledge about masks in these frequently asked questions:
 

What you need to know about masks

Why should I wear a mask?
Masks are an easy way we can try to prevent the spread of our respiratory droplets from one person to another. Respiratory droplets from a person that has an infection with COVID-19 can spread and cause others to get sick. Wearing a mask can help contain those droplets to reduce the risk to others. When you are wearing a mask, it is important everyone remembers to cover their nose too! Our noses can spread respiratory droplets too.
How long can I wear a procedural mask?
If you are wearing a procedural mask, you want to discard it in the trash if it becomes wet or dirty.
Is there anyone who should NOT wear a mask?
Masks should not be worn by children younger than two years old, anyone who has trouble breathing or anyone who cannot remove a mask without help. It may also be difficult for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability, or sensory sensitivities to wear a mask. Consult with a healthcare provider to see what advice they may have that is specific to your needs.
What can we do if we are trying to communicate with someone that is deaf or hard of hearing?
Wearing a mask can make it difficult for someone who is deaf or hard of hearing to read lips to help them communicate. Consider wearing a mask with a clear window or use written communication or closed captioning. Try to decrease the background noise too. You can also your mobile phone as a tool—simply enter the question or information you are trying to share as a text message and share the screen.
 
How do I take off my mask?
When you take your mask off, don’t touch the front of it. Handle it by the ear loops or ties and place it in a bag or into the wash to be cleaned. Make sure you wash your hands with soap or water or use hand sanitizer after taking off your mask.