Due to the expected increase in hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and mortality across the health system related to respiratory illnesses during this respiratory virus season, Yale New Haven Health and Yale Medicine have implemented updated masking guidelines to help reduce the transmission of these viruses and protect patients, staff and visitors.
On Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, staff masking requirements went into effect across the enterprise requiring all physicians, employees and volunteers to wear a mask during close contact with patients and visitors.
Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged, but not required, to mask except in specific situations.
Masking early in the season will allow us to get ahead of the upward curve and protect our patients, families, and workforce during a period of heightened vulnerability.
(Updated Dec. 16, 2025) Questions and answers related to the updated masking guidelines for the 2025-2026 Respiratory Virus Season:
When do I need to wear a mask? When in close contact with patients or visitors and as required by other hospital policies and procedures.
When is masking optional? When not in close contact with patients or visitors and not required by other hospital policies and procedures.
Am I allowed to wear a mask in other areas and at other times if I am more comfortable? Yes.
What can I do with my mask after I leave the patient's room?
Masks used during the care of patients on transmission-based precautions (“isolation”) must be discarded upon leaving the patient’s room.
Masks used during contact with patients or visitors who are not on isolation can be worn during the care of multiple patients without being exchanged or replaced.
Once a mask is removed from your face, it should be discarded.
Masks should be removed and discarded if damp or soiled.
When do patients and visitors need to wear a mask?
Patients and visitors should be strongly encouraged to wear a mask during respiratory virus season and in other specific scenarios. These other scenarios include:
Patients:
Patients with a possible respiratory tract infection should wear a mask in all ambulatory areas (unless wearing a mask is medically contraindicated or not tolerated (e.g., infants, those with severe shortness of breath)).
Inpatients on isolation for a respiratory infection should wear a mask during transport outside of their room and when in shared spaces (e.g., procedure waiting areas).
Visitors:
Visitors with a possible respiratory tract infection are asked not to visit.
If a visitor develops respiratory symptoms or is identified to have respiratory symptoms while visiting, they should wear a mask.
Visitors are to follow YNHHS policies when visiting patients on transmission-based precautions (“isolation”). Visitors should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., mask, gown, gloves) as guided by signs posted outside the patient’s room.
