Willamette Valley Medical Center Urges Community Members to Wear Masks

Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) is urging community members to wear face masks or cloth face coverings in public areas where social distancing is not easily achieved in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority as being an effective way to prevent the spread of the illness. The hospital has already instituted a universal masking protocol within its facilities and requires anyone entering to wear a face mask at all times.

“Willamette Valley Medical Center strongly encourages our community members to wear masks because each of us plays an important role in helping to keep our community safe and protect one another from the spread of infectious diseases,” says Dr. Matthew Bliven, physician leader at WVMC (pictured at right). “One of the easiest and most effective ways we can look out for each other and aid in the fight against COVID-19 is to wear a face mask in public spaces right now.” Face masks and cloth face coverings should be worn over the nose and mouth, and be held securely in place with loops or ties.

Recent studies have shown that universal masking can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, especially in individuals who may be asymptomatic and unaware that they are ill. “Wearing a mask regularly can prevent spreading at the source even when we don’t know we are sick,” says Dr. Bliven. For example, two hair stylists in Springfield, Missouri, spent at least fifteen minutes with 139 clients while positive with COVID-19. Everyone wore face coverings, as directed by city ordinance. After public health contact tracings and 2 weeks of follow-up, no COVID-19 symptoms were identified among the 139 exposed clients or their secondary contacts.

“Until there is a vaccine, wearing a mask in public, practicing social distancing and proper hand hygiene are our best lines of defense in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Dr. Bliven says. “That’s why we’ve established a universal masking protocol in our facilities to help protect our patients, providers, and employees, and we’re encouraging our fellow citizens to do the same in other public places. By looking out for each other, we’ll get through this together and continue making our community healthier.”

For more information from the CDC on face coverings and how to make your own, visit WillametteValleyMedical.com/cloth-face-covering-instructions-and-guidance. To learn more about how WVMC is working to ensure the safety of patients during this time, visit WillametteValleyMedical.com/coronavirus-covid-19-preparedness-information.

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About Willamette Valley Medical Center
Located in McMinnville, Oregon, Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) is a 60-bed acute-care, full-service facility, fully accredited by The Joint Commission. WVMC features a 24-hour Emergency Department with round-the-clock imaging and laboratory services, the Joint Replacement Institute, a Critical Care Unit, and a Senior Behavioral Health Services unit. WVMC also provides a host of other services including a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient Surgical Services, a Family Birthing Center, Endoscopy, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Cardio Pulmonary Services, Breast Center, and Therapy Services. In addition, the hospital offers specialty services in the H. R. Hoover, MD, Cancer Center and the Wound Care Center. For more information, visit WillametteValleyMedical.com