MAY 14, 2021 – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that masks and social distance are no longer needed for fully vaccinated people in most settings.
Masks and distance are still required for all people in Northfield Hospital and at all NH+C locations. This includes all staff, patients, visitors and vendors. This includes outdoor settings, including the Northern Lights Café patio.
CDC recommends that hospitals and healthcare settings still keep mask and distance precautions.
“Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic,” the CDC states. “These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings.”
Hospitals, healthcare settings and nursing homes will keep mask and distance precautions to protect high-risk people: Those who are ill and seeking care; immune-compromised; or vulnerable to severe illness. Healthcare settings must continue core infection prevention practices to keep these people safe.
CDC updated its guidance on May 13. See CDC recommendations here: bit.ly/cdc-COVIDguidelines
In response, Gov. Tim Walz ended Minnesota’s statewide mask mandate as of May 13. “Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are strongly recommended to wear face coverings indoors,” the Governor’s office announced. “Private businesses and local municipalities may still put in place face covering requirements. And Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan, along with the existing face covering guidance for schools and child care settings, remain in effect.” See the Governor’s announcement here: https://mn.gov/governor/news/#/detail/appId/1/id/482065
NH+C encourages everyone who medically can, to be vaccinated.
For 16 and older, call to schedule a vaccination appointment: 507-646-8019
For 12-15 years old, join our waitlist: bit.ly/nhc-vaccine-waitlist-12-15
(In Spanish: bit.ly/nhc-vaccine-waitlist-12-15-spanish)