MercyOne president asks businesses in area to require mask use

MASON CITY — The head of MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center is asking businesses in north-central Iowa to require mask usage.

President Rod Schlader in a written statement to the community says as COVID numbers surge in the county, they are asking business owners to do their part in helping beat the virus. He says MercyOne over the past week has experienced the highest number of COVID patients since the start of the pandemic.

Schlader says they’re asking businesses to require employees and customers to wear a mask to help reduce the transmission of COVID. He says he knows people understand the importance of good public health in order to sustain and grow economic health and in order to preserve both they are asking businesses to help showcase this important safety measure.

He says by requiring masks at businesses, it shows unity with local health care workers and a commitment to slowing the spread of COVID.