Patients and Visitors

Masking Guidance

Due to rising cases of respiratory viral illnesses (influenza, RSV, COVID), UI Health is requiring masking in all patient-contact areas. This requirement is effective beginning Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 5 am.

Masking is REQUIRED for all employees in areas where patients are present.

It is recommended that masks be worn in shared workrooms, cafeteria, and meeting rooms, but this is not required.

Masking is REQUIRED for all patients and visitors in clinics, diagnostic areas, and patient care areas. Masks may be lowered when necessary for patient care or eating/drinking. For example, for oral or nasal exams, exercise stress testing, physical therapy, sleep studies, or pulmonary function testing, the staff member should remain masked, but the patient may unmask (this list is not all inclusive).

Masking is REQUIRED for all inpatients when staff enters the room. Curtains should always be drawn in shared patient rooms.

UI HEALTH MASKING GUIDANCE

Effective Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 5 am, masking is REQUIRED in all patient contact areas for staff, patients, and visitors. This includes:

• Hospital/inpatient care areas
• Diagnostic areas
• Clinic rooms/outpatient care areas
• Clinic registration and waiting areas, including the Emergency Department waiting area

Additionally, masking is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED in the following areas:

• Hallways, elevators, stairwells 
• Hospital Atrium
• Cafeteria/Taylor Street Café/OCC Café
• Meeting rooms
• Team rooms
• Break rooms

The following seasonal infection-prevention recommendations remain available to protect ourselves and others:

• Vaccinate (when appropriate) to decrease the risk of severe disease or death.
• Wash your hands often
• Do not come to work if you are sick; if sick, speak with your doctor.