Masking is on the rise in the U.S., especially in healthcare settings. Several states and major health systems have begun requiring physicians and visitors to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus continue to surge.

After following CDC guidelines and tracking cases in their areas, here is why six orthopedic and spine practices told Becker’s they have or have not reinstated masking rules:

Ernest Braxton, MD. Spine and Neurological Surgery Specialist at Vail- (Colo.)Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery: Our practice has not implemented any new mask requirements in any clinical settings aside from the usual expectation of having a mask in the operating room. Fortunately, our community in Vail, Colo., has not seen a surge in high-acuity COVID cases. The only exception to where we may occasionally wear a mask in the clinic is per patient request.

Full Article: Why 6 orthopedic practices are, or aren’t, requiring masks