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

UConn Health has experienced a decrease in COVID-19 community transmission. As such, UConn Health leadership and leaders of Infection Prevention are updating our masking protocols. These changes are effective April 2024.

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

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 optional.

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. 

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.