The Corvallis Clinic is dedicated to maintaining the safety and well-being of our patients, employees, and community. In response to recent developments and guidance from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we are updating our masking policy.
Effective April 3, 2023, The Corvallis Clinic will no longer require universal masking in most clinical settings. This change aligns with OHA’s decision to lift the statewide mask requirement for healthcare settings (OAR 333-019-1011).
We are grateful that COVID-19 has become less severe, thanks to population immunity and the widespread availability of vaccines and treatments. Recent data from OHA shows a decline in COVID, flu, and RSV cases—three respiratory pathogens that led to increased use of ERs and ICUs last fall.
While universal masking will no longer be mandatory, The Corvallis Clinic will continue implementing measures to protect our most vulnerable patients from COVID and other respiratory illnesses.
Masks will be required:
- For patients exhibiting signs or symptoms of a respiratory illness.
- 10 days after becoming sick with COVID (or 10 days from a positive COVID test with no symptoms).
- 10 days after close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19.
Masks are strongly encouraged:
- When CDC COVID Community Levels are moderate or high.
- If you are significantly immune-compromised.
- If you are at high risk for severe COVID-19 (or are living with or caring for someone at high risk).
Masks are not recommended for children under 2 years old, anyone with difficulty breathing, people with certain disabilities, or anyone who cannot remove a mask on their own. Please contact your healthcare team before your appointment if you expect to be asked to wear a mask and need to request accommodations.
The Corvallis Clinic is taking proactive measures to safeguard patients from COVID-19. Staff members are prepared to wear face masks upon request during patient interactions. To minimize exposure risks, patients with potentially contagious illnesses are promptly escorted to private exam rooms, limiting their time spent in shared lobby areas. The Clinic also diligently maintains entrance kiosks, ensuring they are well-stocked with essential protective items such as masks, tissues, and hand sanitizer. Furthermore, employees experiencing respiratory or cold symptoms will stay home, and healthcare professionals are committed to wearing appropriate PPE when treating patients with potentially contagious illnesses.
The Corvallis Clinic will continue to follow OHA, CDC, and OSHA guidelines to ensure compliance with healthcare setting requirements. Please note that our policies, including mask requirements, may be updated in response to significant changes in community transmission of respiratory viruses.
