SB

Review of Essentia Health-St. Joseph's M...

There is no policy in place to request patients or...

There is no policy in place to request patients or attending family members to wear mask in waiting area when they have respiratory symptoms. The receptionist was unaware that the main purpose of the mask is not to protect the person wearing the mask but that it helps prevent spread of illness by the sick individual wearing the mask and preventing spread of droplets. Meanwhile a patient who is immunocompromised and waiting in the lobby is at risk. They can wear a mask but it really does little to protect them from getting ill. It should be standard in healthcare to request they wear a mask or leave if they are not required to be present. Very disappointed.