Office review: Does Not Require Masks Are Worn Despite COVID Pandemic

I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Lind for a breast reduction/lift and for a torn ear lobe. I was originally scheduled for August, but Taylor called me and asked if I could come in sooner so I jumped at the opportunity. When I arrived on 7/31/20, wearing my mask, I immediately noticed that the receptionist, Taylor, was not wearing one. I filled out my paperwork and noticed another staff member wasn't wearing a mask either. I looked around and didn't see the usual signs regarding distancing and masks, nor did I see hand sanitizer anywhere. I returned my paperwork to Taylor and asked why they weren't wearing masks. Taylor responded nervously that they weren't required to wear masks, but she would put one on if I wanted her to. I was shocked, I immediately told her that I didn't feel safe staying there and I grabbed my paperwork back and left. I was so shocked that I posted the comment below on Dr. Lind's Instagram page as well as emailed him to express my concerns: "Dr. Lind, I'm very disappointed to see your facility does not require masks be worn. When I arrived today, the receptionist wasn't wearing one as well as another staff member. I was told that they weren't required and I'm aware that this is sadly the case in Montgomery Co. Regardless, it's very irresponsible especially in a place that provides medical services in an area that is a hotspot for COVID-19. Your clinic is minutes away from Houston/Harris Co. I was looking forward to you performing my breast lift because I love your work, but not at the risk of my safety or that of my family. You guys should seriously reconsider your safety precautions. At the very least, if not legal, it definitely is a moral obligation to disclose that masks are not worn or required in your facility. This disclosure would've allowed me to make a more informed decision before entering your facility."

My email included this as well,

"I shared this message above on your IG page because I feel it is important that potential patients be aware so they can make an informed decision before booking an appointment."

Side note: At the time, I assumed that perhaps Montgomery Co didn't require masks, but I was wrong. The sheriff in this county just declared that he wouldn't enforce the mask order, but there is a mandatory mask order for Texas as declared by Governor Abbott.

About an hour later I received a call from Dr. Lind himself. He stated that he wanted to personally reach out to me to address my concerns and clear up the confusion. I appreciated this, but what he said next was very disturbing. Dr. Lind told me that he did not agree with the state mask order and that it "was all media hype." He said that as a physician he knows that the masks everyone is wearing did not protect us from COVID-19 and he was making the decision that he felt was best for his patients and practice. He kept asking me if I understood what he was saying in an almost condescending manner. I was just so speechless at what I was hearing I didn't know how to respond, but as a doctoral student and educator of 20 years, I understood 100% what he was telling me.

Dr. Lind continued by saying that despite his beliefs, on Monday(7/27/20) he held a staff meeting and announced that masks would be required from then on, but that Taylor wasn't wearing a mask when I came in because she was out sick the day of the meeting. He thought another employee conveyed to her the new rules, but they did not. Dr. Lind apologized for the miscommunication and assured me that the clinic does require masks.

After hanging up I had time to process this conversation:

1) Dr. Lind, a medical provider, who performs medical procedures in his clinic is not or had not been following Gov Abbott's statewide mask order

2) no signs were posted anywhere indicating that masks were required for entry nor was I screened for COVID symptoms or had my temperature checked. Consequently, I do not believe Dr. Lind's statement about a meeting and the new mask requirements. If this were the case,nsigns would be posted on the doors and elsewhere in the facility and the other staff member I saw would have worn a mask. Also, Taylor called me multiple times after the Monday "meeting." So this means, no one noticed that she wasn't wearing a mask or told her of the new policy until I called her out today?? I highly doubt this.

3)I found it extremely unprofessional for Dr. Lind to spout conspiracy theory type rhetoric about the media "blowing this up" in reference to COVID-19 despite numerous health professionals, disease experts and the CDC declaring the severity of this health crisis and the need to wear masks. His comments were made very firmly and confidently as though he was very passionate and opinionated on this topic. This exchange caused me to seriously doubt Dr. Lind's judgment as a physician. I wondered if his political or ideological beliefs muddied his judgment at the expense of his staff and clients' safety.

4)Nothing is posted on their website currently or was posted prior to 7/27/20 indicating Dr. Lind's position on masks-refusal to reinforce masks or the need to wear masks. Had I known his position, I would have never entered his facility out of fear for my own health and safety.

5) I am now left wondering if Taylor was tested for COVID since she was "sick" and missed work and whether she may have exposed me to the virus. I was wearing a mask, but she handed me her pen and clipboard when I checked in.

I am sharing this here because I do not have faith that Dr. Lind is actually requiring masks and I feel that others who enter his facility should be aware that he is blatantly defying a state order.

My belief was confirmed when I noticed that my comment on his Instagram post was deleted. Dr. Lind could have easily responded that masks are required and apologized for the miscommunication.