Due to the expected increase in hospitalizations, ICU admissions and mortality during respiratory virus season, Yale New Haven Health is updating masking guidelines.
Beginning Monday, Dec. 1, physicians, employees, and volunteers across the enterprise are required to mask for patient interactions. Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged, but not required, to mask, except in specific situations.
Masking early in the season will help the health system get ahead of the increase in respiratory illness and protect patients, families and the workforce.
Below are questions and answers about the updated masking guidelines:
- When do I mask? When in close contact with patients or visitors.
- When is masking optional? When not in close contact with patients or visitors.
- Can I wear a mask in other areas if I am more comfortable? Yes.
- When do patients and visitors mask? Patients and visitors do not have to mask except in these situations:
- Patients with a possible respiratory tract infection must mask in all ambulatory areas when possible. Visitors with a possible respiratory tract infection should not visit.
- Inpatients on isolation for a respiratory infection should mask during transport.
- Visitors must follow YNHHS personal protective equipment (PPE) policies while visiting by wearing PPE in the rooms of patients on isolation (as guided by isolation sign directions).
- What can I do with my mask after I leave the patient’s room? Once you remove the mask, discard it. Extended mask use is acceptable for patients not on isolation, so a mask can be used for multiple patient encounters; however, once removed it should be discarded.
