Patients and Visitors

Effective as of January 1, 2026

Due to rising cases of respiratory viral illnesses (influenza, RSV, COVID), masking is REQUIRED in all clinical areas at UI Health, including:

• Clinic rooms
• Patient rooms
• Inpatient units
• Diagnostic areas
• Registration and waiting areas
• All areas of the Emergency Department

Patients and visitors do not need to wear masks in the main building lobbies, hallways, or dining areas, but will be REQUIRED to mask when they reach their care destination. 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 employees in clinical areas where patients are present.
It is recommended that masks be worn in shared workrooms, the cafeteria, and meeting rooms, but this is not required.

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

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 yourself 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.