Mercy is asking patients who have an appointment for a doctor’s visit or procedure to wear a mask.

It comes as the healthcare provider is rescheduling non-emergency surgical procedures.

Mercy sent out a letter to patients Monday.

Here’s the letter:

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, Mercy has remained open to the greatest extent possible to care for you. Now, we’re cautiously beginning to reactive services which require in-person visits (such as non-emergency surgical procedures) as well.

As we resume regular, in-person appointments and procedures, please be assured that your safety remains our highest priority. New, enhanced procedures and protocols are in place so that you can get in-person care as safely and effectively as possible. Among these new safety protocols and to protect our limited supply of masks, we ask that you bring and wear a mask when visiting any Mercy facility for your safety and the safety of others.

Throughout the crisis, we’ve also made virtual care available to deliver essential services such as Primary Care, Pediatrics, Specialty Care and Women’s Health. If you’re still concerned about leaving your home, you can still use these options. You can consult with your Mercy care team from the safety and comfort of your own home:

• By phone
• By video
• Or by real-time messaging with your Care Team through our free app, MyMercy

Three easy ways to coordinate virtual care:

• Use MyMercy, our free app. If you don’t have a MyMercy account, you can download the App Store or Google Play, or learn more and create your account at mymercy.net.
• Schedule online at mercy.net/VirtualCare.
• Call your provider directly. Locations, services and provider contact information are all available at mercy.net.
  By giving you a variety of options to access health care, we’re fulfilling our promise to our patients.

Now, as always, your life is our life’s work.