Throughout the pandemic, University of Iowa Health Care has monitored the local, state, and national health situation, making changes as necessary to keep safety our top priority.
Masks are welcome for anyone who chooses to wear one. This change to our guidance was made in partnership with our Program of Hospital Epidemiology.
Frequently asked questions
You may ask, however, please know our employees and care teams are allowed to make their own masking decision in many patient care areas. Face masks will remain required in specific, limited areas of patient care, including operating rooms, procedural areas, and isolation.
If you have symptoms of a respiratory virus (such as a new/worsening cough, fever over 100.0F, new/worsening sore throat) you should wear a mask.
If you do not have symptoms of a respiratory virus, you may want to wear a mask if:
You haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19*
You have an underlying medical condition, are immunocompromised, or are an older adult
Your close contacts are more likely to get very sick if they contract COVID-19
You have not had COVID-19 in the last 90 days
You are in a crowded space or public transportation, and you want to lower your risk of becoming sick
*Employees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to wear a face mask.
Our employees are encouraged to make the masking decision that is right for them. Face masks are welcome and remain available across our campus for those who choose to wear them.
Face masks will remain required in specific, limited areas of patient care, including operating rooms, procedural areas, and isolation.