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May 8, 2023
Dear Our Valued OCB Patients,
Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston is pleased to inform you that we will end the mandatory
mask policy for staff and patients and shift to optional masking beginning Friday May 12,
2023, one day after the federal and state COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially ends.
The policy change is aligned with MA Department of Public Health guidelines and policies put
in place by other local healthcare organizations within our network. This is based on the steep
decline in the impact and severity of COVID-19 infection on our communities due to vaccines,
the availability of therapeutics to treat COVID-19, and the extensive natural immunity that has
occurred. However, it is important to note that we encourage any patients and staff who feel
more comfortable wearing a mask during appointments to continue to do so. We will still have
masks available at all our practice locations for your comfort and convenience.
When you come to our offices for an appointment, you will no longer be screened for symptoms
of COVID-19. However, if you a) currently have COVID, b) have had COVID within 10 days or
your appointment, or c) have COVID symptoms during the days leading up to your appointment,
please call our office and someone will assist you to reschedule your appointment. These
symptoms include fever, chills, cough, congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea or a new skin
rash. This policy also applies to caregivers or family members who would accompany you to
your appointment.
You can view our Frequently Asked Questions here.
The end of the COVID Public Health Emergency marks a new era of living with COVID-19.
Again, we want to emphasize that we recognize some of you may feel more comfortable wearing
a mask during visits to OCB, and we encourage you to continue to do so if you desire. For those
that elect not to mask, we also want you to know there may be circumstances during which our
staff will ask you to wear a mask and we appreciate your willingness to do so. Finally, we want
to acknowledge that this change in policy across the healthcare system is truly a positive step
forward and we look forward to returning to face to face communication with you, our valued
patients.
Sincerely,
Laura C. Fine, MD
President & Medical Director of OCB
On Behalf of the OCB COVID Task Force
