UNC Health eases mask mandate as COVID continues to decline. Here are the new rules.
UNC Health will ease mask requirements in its hospitals and clinics beginning next week, a health system spokesperson announced Thursday.
For the last three years, masks have been mandatory for patients, staff and visitors. That requirement will be removed starting June 19, except in a few situations:
- Patients who have symptoms of respiratory illnesses must wear masks.
- Staff providing care to patients with respiratory symptoms must wear masks.
- Masks may still be required for staff, patients and visitors in certain high-risk areas such as ICUs and transplant units.
- Patients who choose to mask can ask their provider to wear one, too.
Although it’s no longer required in most situations, wearing a mask is still encouraged, according to a press release from the health system.
“It should be recognized that masks in our facilities are not going away,” said Dr. David Wohl, a UNC infectious disease expert. “In clinic, I will continue to mask.”
Duke Health announced a similar new policy on Tuesday.
Masks are now optional at Duke Health’s campuses as well, barring a few exceptions, like if a patient or visitor has respiratory symptoms or if a staff member is within 10 days of a COVID-19 infection.
As of May 16, masking has not been required in patient rooms, unit hallways and waiting rooms at WakeMed.
Teddy Rosenbluth covers science and health care for The News & Observer in a position funded by Duke Health and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work.
