WADENA, Minn.– Tri-County Health Care has changed their masking policies and now require medical-grade masks to enter the facility. They say it comes with the Omicron variant becoming the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States, adding that the rapid spread and highly contagious nature make it a prime concern for healthcare organizations across the nation.

TCHC defines a medical-grade mask as a surgical mask or a procedure mask which is made from paper and are manufactured with multiple pleats. Officials at the hospital say that these types of masks offer better protection against COVID than cloth masks.

The policy from TCHC started on Monday, January 10. Medical-grade masks will be available at all main entrances and in the ER. Several Minnesota healthcare systems are now employing new techniques to slow the spread of Omicron in an attempt to ensure protection for staff and visitors.

Those at TCHC add that vaccination is still the best defense against COVID-19. More information can be found on their website.