Cloth Masks No Longer Allowed At Main Line Health Facilities

BRYN MAWR, PA — One of the Philadelphia region's biggest healthcare organizations announced cloth masks and other forms of face coverings are no longer allowed at its facilities due to a lack of protection from the coronavirus.

Main Line Health has banned the use of cloth masks, neck gaiters, valve masks, and bandanas for staff and visitors to its many facilities.

Only people who have surgical masks, N95, and KN95 masks will be allowed in the organization's facilities, which include Bryn Mawr Hospital, Lankenau Medical Center, Paoli Hospital, Riddle Hospital, and several other locations in Broomall, Malvern, King of Prussia, and more.

According to Main Line Health, experts from its Infection Prevention Team determined cloth and other face coverings were inadequate in preventing coronavirus' spread.

Main Line Health requires masks in all its facilities in accordance with CDC and state health guidelines.

The organization in early January said it was pausing elective procedures for two weeks due to the surge in coronavirus patients.