Today Governor Walz lifted the mask mandate, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control that states fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear a mask indoors or outdoors.  This is wonderful news and is a sign that Americans are making progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

River’s Edge Hospital, in alignment with the recommendation from the CDC to continue to wear facemasks in healthcare settings, will continue to have all employees, providers, patients, guests, and vendors continue to answer screening questions and wear masks inside the facility regardless of one’s vaccination status.

As Minnesotans adapt to this updated guidance eliminating the mask mandate, we ask our public for their continued partnership and patience.

• Hospitals and health systems care for some of our state’s most critically ill patients including patients who have weak immune systems, elderly and other patients who are at high risk for COVID-19 complications and deaths. Wearing a mask regardless of your vaccination status when you are in a health care setting helps protect these vulnerable populations.
• Hospitals and health systems continue to care for very ill patients with COVID-19 and hospitalized patients who are younger than those hospitalized earlier in the pandemic.
• We thank the public for their help in protecting our patients, staff and visitors.