Updated Mask Policy (Effective May 1, 2024)
The mask mandate issued by public health officers in most Bay Area counties, including Contra Costa and Alameda, expired on April 30, 2024. With the end of this mandate, we have issued updated masking guidance for patients and visitors in all our facilities based on feedback from physicians, nurses and infection prevention experts.
John Muir Health Patient and Visitor Masking Policy
- Masking for most patients and visitors is optional. Masks will continue to be available at the entrances to our facilities.
- Patients with respiratory symptoms (see below) are required to wear a mask with the only exception being a physical or cognitive inability to do so.
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fever or
- Other symptoms of a viral infection
- Patients may request that their providers wear a mask. We want patients and their families to feel comfortable and safe in our health system.
Hospitals
- Visitors who come to visit patients in isolation or who are immunocompromised are required to wear a mask when in the patient’s room.
- Individual departments, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), may set their own masking guidelines, including masking at all times.
- Visitors to Covid+ patients are welcome with use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE); extended time will be granted for end-of-life or cognitive care. Visitors will be restricted to the patient's room only; no lingering in other hospital areas or use of the cafeteria will be permitted.
- Visitors who have been exposed to a Covid+ or a suspected Covid+ person may not visit for 10 days after exposure.
Outpatient, Physician Office and Urgent Care
- Patients with respiratory symptoms will be required to mask at all times.
- Individual departments and facilities, such as Cancer Services, may set their own masking guidelines, including masking at all times.
Thank you for your cooperation with this policy.