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What to Know About UPMC’s Updated Mask Policy in February 2024

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Medically Reviewed by UPMC

UPMC’s Spring 2023 Updated Mask Policy

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As of Feb. 29, 2024, masking is encouraged but optional in most cases for all people in UPMC facilities.

UPMC monitors the risk of getting respiratory infections like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. The decision to pause our masking requirement follows a sustained decrease in transmission risk of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV in our health care facilities. However, people with symptoms of a respiratory illness should wear a mask to help prevent spread.

Although we are not requiring masking, we do encourage it. Masks are always available at UPMC facilities. Patients and support persons also can request that members of their care team wear a mask when providing care.

Here’s what to know about our current masking policy.

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Do I Need to Wear a Mask at UPMC?

Masking is encouraged but optional in most cases for patients, support persons, employees, visitors, and all others inside UPMC medical facilities. Look for signage throughout our facilities that indicates our masking policy.

People with symptoms of a respiratory virus infection should continue to mask in UPMC facilities to protect others from getting sick. If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, please tell your health care providers before coming. That gives us time to take the proper steps to protect others from infection.

Also, visitors or support persons should consider delaying their visit if:

  • They have a fever.
  • They have a respiratory illness.
  • They have a stomach illness.
  • They feel sick.

Support persons who don’t feel well but can’t delay helping their loved ones get care should wear a mask.

Can I Choose to Wear a Mask at UPMC?

While masks are not required at UPMC facilities, people can choose to wear a mask at all times at UPMC. We encourage people to wear a mask, especially if it makes them feel more comfortable or if they need to for their well-being. We have masks available for those who need them.

Patients can ask their care team members to wear masks when providing care. We will comply with your wishes.

Why UPMC’s Masking Policy Is Changing

UPMC monitors the threat of respiratory illnesses in our community. Respiratory virus transmission has slowed, so we are lifting our previous masking requirement. If respiratory virus transmission levels increase again, we may require masking once again.

At UPMC, we remain committed to protecting people throughout our communities. To find out at any time if masking is required at UPMC facilities, please call 833-390-9489 or visit our website.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

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About UPMC

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, UPMC is a world-renowned health care provider and insurer. We operate 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient centers, with locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, and internationally. We employ 4,900 physicians, and we are leaders in clinical care, groundbreaking research, and treatment breakthroughs. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside as one of the nation’s best hospitals in many specialties and ranks UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on its Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals. We are dedicated to providing Life Changing Medicine to our communities.