Mask mandate returns to some Montage Health facilities beginning Friday

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Montage Health announced they will reestablish masking requirements to protect workers, patients and visitors from respiratory illness.

Montage says masks will be mandatory for everyone in all CHOMP patient care areas, regardless of flu, COVID, RSV or any other vaccination status.

Other Montage facilities will require staff to mask up, but will only be a recommendation for patients and visitors.

"With the upcoming holiday season, there are going to be lots of large gatherings," said Dr. Martha Blum with Montage Health. "This is the perfect opportunity for respiratory viruses to really put a wrench in the works."

Doctors say this is a preventative step, with respiratory virus circulation in Monterey County considered low for now.

The policy will be in effect through January 31 with a potential extension pending evaluation.