Screeners at the Outpatient entrance distribute masks and take the temperature of every individual coming through the doors of the hospital.

Brooks-TLC has implemented universal masking for staff and patients entering the hospital or the Gowanda Primary Care/Urgent Care Center. Staff members and patients will be given a surgical mask at the screening desk for use while in the building. Masks are not available for distribution to the general public.

Brooks-TLC moved to universal masking as an additional precaution to protect workers from exposure to potentially infected patients who may be asymptomatic or have not yet tested positive, as well as to protect patients and staff from others.

As COVID-19 is widespread, and symptoms can be very mild, staff and patients may not be aware they have the virus.

Effective immediately, anyone entering the facility, including all staff and all patients, will be given a surgical mask at the screening desk (not an N-95 mask) for use while in the building.

Hospital officials said Brooks-TLC has an adequate supply of surgical masks due to recent shipments.