Click to Read New Covid Mask Policy

Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin’s Latest COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Policy

Updated September 26, 2022

CDC Update to COVID-19 Guidance

Recently, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance to help people better understand their risk of the virus and what actions to take if exposed or tested positive for COVID-19.

While COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, there are now many tools available to help us reduce its severity, along with significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death compared to earlier in the pandemic. As such, the CDC has dropped its universal masking guideline for healthcare workers after a long slowdown in COVID-19 hospitalizations and nursing home infections nationwide.

COVID-19 Policies for Patients and Employees

In support of the CDC’s latest update, Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin is loosening our mask requirements to a “Mask Optional” policy for patients and employees who have tested negative and aren’t experiencing COVID symptoms.

For patients who HAVE tested positive or are experiencing symptoms, the following rules will apply:

  1. CDC rules still apply in that if you test positive for COVID you must stay home for 5 days and wear an N95 mask for 5 days when you return. Please have courtesy and DO NOT come to work or your appointment sick.
  2. Patients will still be asked questions regarding if they have tested positive for COVID in the past 5 days. If they have, we will reschedule their visit.
  3. Patients may request that the HVI provider or employee who is delivering their care wear a mask during their office visit, diagnostic test, or procedure.
  4. Masks will still be available free of charge at the front desk for any patient who needs or would prefer to use one.

Last but not least, remember that we still have vulnerable patients (and employees) at HVI every day. We strongly encourage any immunocompromised patients and those with high-risk health conditions to continue wearing a mask, and we are trusting that you will respect their decision to do so.

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ABOUT HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE OF WISCONSIN
With roots in Appleton since 1968, the physicians and providers of the Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin deliver compassionate care at six locations throughout eastern Wisconsin by using advanced and innovative technologies to provide patients with state-of-the-art treatments.

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