Mayo Clinic To Drop Face Mask Policy

ROCHESTER, MN — The Rochester-based Mayo Clinic on Wednesday announced that it will end its system-wide face mask requirement next week.

Starting April 10, a face mask will not be required for patients and staff in most areas of Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic Health System campuses.

The Mayo Clinic will continue to require wearing a face mask in "high-risk patient settings." Additionally, immunocompromised patients will be notified to wear a mask while they are at Mayo Clinic.

"Mayo Clinic is evolving its policies due to the consistently low rates of hospitalizations, mortality and community transmission levels of COVID-19 observed at most Mayo Clinic locations," the officials said in a statement.

"COVID-19 cases have decreased significantly since January 2022, along with a significant drop in deaths and hospitalizations nationwide. People may still choose to wear masks, and Mayo will support their decision to do so."