Changes to safety and PPE requirements effective May 20, 2021

Effective May 20, 2021, new guidelines will be in place for the health sciences campus and patient care areas.  These changes are based on increased vaccination rates, low COVID-19 incidence in the community, and updated national and local public health guidance. Changes are being made in partnership with our Program of Hospital Epidemiology.  Please note future changes in local health trends may require adjustments to the policy.  

In research facilities where there is no patient care: 

• Fully vaccinated* employees are not required to wear face masks or social distance while in the facility. 
• Employees who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face mask and practice social distancing in all settings and locations.

In facilities where patients receive care:

• Fully vaccinated* employees must wear a face mask while providing patient care and when in areas patients and visitors may be present (hallways, public spaces, cafeterias, etc.), and should continue to practice social distancing as able. 
• Fully vaccinated* employees are not required to wear a face mask or social distance in non-clinical spaces, such as in offices, cubicles, break rooms, conference rooms, and spaces where patients are not present.
• Employees who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face mask and practice social distancing in all settings and locations.
• Patients and visitors will still be required to wear face masks when in UI Health Care facilities, regardless of vaccination status.

*You are fully vaccinated two weeks after the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Any fully vaccinated individual is welcome to wear a face mask, even in locations where face masks are not required. 

Please review the FAQ on The Loop if you have questions.  If you are unable to find an answer, please contact your HR representative.