Why are you changing the mask protocols at UConn Health for patient-facing interactions in both the hospital and outpatient settings?

UConn Health has experienced an increase in COVID-19 community transmission. As such, UConn Health leadership and leaders of Infection Prevention are updating our masking protocols to protect our patients, visitors, learners and staff. These changes are effective October 20, 2023.

When are UConn Health providers and staff and other workforce members required to wear masks?

For all providers, staff and other workforce members, UConn Health-issued masks are now required to be worn during all direct, patient-facing interactions in both outpatient and inpatient settings. This includes when entering a patient room or when you anticipate having prolonged, close contact with a patient.

In addition, based on positivity and transmission data and other risk factors, there may be specific units, clinics or departments that require masking outside of direct patient-care interactions. These determinations will be made by local leaders and UConn Health leadership in consultation with Infection Prevention and the COVID-19 Call Center, and will be communicated with notifications and signage.

Masking also continues to be required if you have signs or symptoms of respiratory illness, if you have had a high-risk exposure to COVID-19 in the last 10 days, or if you have just recovered from COVID and are required to continue masking upon your return-to-work. Please do not come to work if you are sick, and please continue to call the UConn Health COVID-19 Call Center at 860-679-3199 for guidance.

Are UConn Health patients and visitors required to wear masks?

For patients and visitors, masks are now recommended.

However, patients and visitors are required to wear a mask in our facilities if:

• They have symptoms that may be due to respiratory illness.
• They have had a known, recent (within the last 10 days) high-risk exposure to COVID-19.

Why are staff required to wear masks during patient care, and why is masking optional in other settings?

UConn Health has had recent clusters of COVID-19 infections among groups of its health care personnel, many of whom were infected outside of direct patient care. While we recommend employees and staff stay home when ill, as a precaution employee masking during patient care during this period of higher virus transmission is intended to protect patients from exposure to asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic infected health care personnel who could potentially infect vulnerable patients.

When we do wear masks, are we still limited to the paper surgical ones?

Yes. Please continue to use UConn-issued procedure masks. These will be available in the hospital and the Emergency Department, and at UConn Health outpatient settings. Masks will also continue to be available at all UConn Health public entrances.

What if I still want to wear a mask?

Masks are always welcome at UConn Health. Anyone who prefers to mask should feel free to continue masking. Please continue to be respectful of others and recognize that each of us has a different COVID-19 risk profile. If entering the personal space of others, please be sensitive to their masking preferences.

Are masks still effective in preventing COVID-19?

Yes, masks are still an important tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks continue to be recommended in many circumstances, such as: when someone is at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19; when in crowds particularly in areas with poor or unknown ventilation; and in indoor public transportation settings. Wearing a high-quality mask is also recommended for all whenever our COVID-19 Community Level is rated “High.”

What if Hartford County goes into a high transmission situation?

Our COVID-19 Policy Workgroup continues to closely monitor COVID-19 conditions in the community and the latest public health expert guidance. Should the need arise, we may modify our future safety protocols such as re-issuing universal mask requirements. UConn Health would make sure to alert the entire UConn Health community with communication about any such important updates along with entry way signage.