Updated Mask Policy (Effective July 10, 2024)

COVID-19 infections have been increasing in the community. The surge is being caused by a new variant that can present with different symptoms than in the past and is highly transmissible.

Given these conditions, we are implementing changes to our masking policy to protect our patients, providers, staff and community.

All Locations

  • Patients with respiratory symptoms (see below) are required to mask at all times with the only exception being a physical or cognitive inability to do so.
    • Cough 
    • Runny nose 
    • Sore throat
    • Headache
    • Fatigue 
    • Fever or 
    • Other symptoms of a viral infection  

Hospitals

  • Masking is mandatory in the following departments and locations. Departments will have reminders that masking is mandatory. 
    • Intensive Care Units
    • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
    • Cancer Care Units
    • Progressive Care Units
    • Step Down Units
    • Renal Units
    • Behring Pavilion
       
  • Individual departments, including those not listed, may set their own masking guidelines, including masking at all times.
  • Visitors who come to visit patients in isolation or who are immunocompromised are required to wear a mask when in the patient’s room.
  • Visitors to Covid+ patients are welcome with use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE); extended time will be granted for end-of-life or cognitive care. Visitors will be restricted to the patient's room only; no lingering in other hospital areas or use of the cafeteria will be permitted.
  • Visitors who have been exposed to a Covid+ or a suspected Covid+ person may not visit for 10 days after exposure.

Outpatient, Physician Office and Urgent Care

  • Patients with respiratory symptoms are required to mask at all times.
  • Individual departments and facilities, such as Cancer Services, may set their own masking guidelines, including masking at all times.

John Muir Health Patient and Visitor Masking Policy

  • Masking for most patients and visitors not covered in the above guidelines is optional. Masks will continue to be available at the entrances to our facilities.
  • Patients may request that their providers wear a mask. We want patients and their families to feel comfortable and safe in our health system.

Thank you for your cooperation with this policy.