YNHHS changes masking requirements for certain areas

Yale New Haven Health has changed mask-use requirements for certain areas, as of March 22.

Masks are optional in all areas of YNHHS that are not designated for patient or visitor use, including (but not limited to):

• Auditoriums, conference rooms and closed-door charting rooms
• Lunch/break rooms
• Office spaces
• Administrative offices
• Hospital shuttles

Masks must be worn in all clinical/patient care areas and areas accessible to visitors throughout YNHHS. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Lobbies, reception areas and waiting rooms
• Hallways and elevators serving clinical/patient care areas
• Charting areas located in hallways
• Cafés shared by patients and visitors (masks may be temporarily removed while eating or drinking)
• Patient rooms and treatment rooms

This change was made with careful consideration of the decreasing level of COVID-19 transmission in the community; an increasing level of immunity across the population; and the availability of effective treatment. If COVID-19 transmission rates significantly increase, the requirement for mask use in all areas may be reinstated.

View a FAQ on the new mask requirements (intranet).