New Jersey’s largest hospital system, RWJ Barnabas, has reinstated a mask mandate for all hospital staff, patients, and visitors effective Monday. The move comes as COVID-19 cases in the state rise, but the infection risk is listed as “low” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All hospitals owned by RWJ will provide new masks for anyone entering their facilities, with visitors required to wipe their hands down with sanitizer before entering. However, not all healthcare facilities follow this policy, with Hackensack Meridian and Atlantic Health systems having mask mandates only for staff.
RWJ’s outpatient facilities, such as doctors’ offices, do not require masks but strongly encourage their use. The hospital advises that anyone experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms should stay home and not visit the facility.
Masks are required in RWJ’s hospitals when treating patients with respiratory symptoms, and patients have the right to request staff and healthcare providers wear masks during treatment. This reinstated mask mandate aims to reduce transmission risks as cases rise in New Jersey.
Source: https://patch.com/new-jersey/newbrunswick/njs-largest-hospital-system-reinstates-mask-mandate