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.
As COVID-19 and respiratory virus rates continue to decrease in our community, we are now able to safely make changes to our face mask guidelines.
As of Wednesday, March 8, face masks are welcome but not required for most patients, visitors, and employees within UI Health Care.
This change to our guidance was made in partnership with our Program of Hospital Epidemiology.
Face masks remain required for anyone who has symptoms of a respiratory virus (such as a new/worsening cough, fever over 100.0 F, new/worsening sore throat).
Our commitment to safety remains. We will continue to monitor the local situation and adjust this guidance as necessary.
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:
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You haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19*
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You have an underlying medical condition, are immunocompromised, or are an older adult
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Your close contacts are more likely to get very sick if they contract COVID-19
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You have not had COVID-19 in the last 90 days
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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.