COVID Policy FAQs

The response to COVID-19 is shifting from a state of emergency, to an era of living with COVID. This shift is primarily due to:

• Availability of vaccines
• Widespread immunity due to vaccines and natural infection
• Less severe virus variants
• Access to effective COVID-19 treatment

Yes, patients who are more comfortable wearing masks to their appointments should continue to do so. Some patients, for instance, may be more vulnerable to infection due to a compromised immune system. But no matter the concern, if you wish to wear a mask, you may do so. OCB will continue to provide masks for your convenience at all locations. If you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, do not come to your appointment masked, but rather call our office and someone will assist you with rescheduling your appointment.

We recognize that this policy change may raise concerns for you and that some patients, particularly those who are more vulnerable to infection, will feel more comfortable if your providers with whom you are in close contact wear masks. Please let someone on your care team know of your concerns and we will gladly accommodate your request.

Our staff members are no longer required to wear a mask. However, some may choose to wear one. We are giving our staff the option of wearing a mask, just as we encourage our patients who feel more comfortable wearing a mask to do so. We respectfully ask that you refrain from asking the staff member why they are wearing a mask.

If you have any of the following symptoms, please call the office and our staff will reschedule your appointment. Remember you will not be charged for a canceled appointment, even if it is within 24 hours of your appointment. Symptoms include: fever, chills, cough, congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea or a new skin rash.