Respiratory illness update
Updated December 5, 2023
Fall and winter is the time when cases of respiratory illnesses — viruses like colds, flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory syncytial virus — tend to increase in our communities.
To help protect our patients, visitors and staff from sickness, our hospitals and clinics may require patients, visitors, and/or staff to wear medical-grade masks when receiving care or in patient care areas*. When worn correctly, masks have been demonstrated to provide effective protection against respiratory illnesses in the health care setting.
Patient care areas generally include:
- Patient floors and hallways
- Patient exam rooms
- Front desk/check-in areas
- During any patient interactions
- Emergency departments and waiting rooms
But do not include:
- Public hallways (does not include hallways within patient units)
- Elevators
- Lobbies
- Gift shops
- Cafeterias
Like many health care systems in our state, Mary Bridge Children’s is taking a regional approach to our masking requirements. This means the requirements at your specific care location may vary, depending on illness levels in your community at the time you are coming to us for care.
You may check with your specific care location for the most current information regarding their masking requirements and visitor policies prior to your visit.
Regardless of the current masking requirements in place at your care location, we highly recommend the use of masks to protect yourself and others from illness during this respiratory season.
Note: Locations that provide care to high-risk patients, such as our oncology clinics, require universal masking at all times.