Masks are optional for patients and visitors who do not have respiratory symptoms.
Masks are required when you:
- Have signs/symptoms of respiratory illness such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Have been diagnosed with a respiratory illness (COVID, flu, etc.)
- Have had a known exposure to COVID (within 10 days)
FAQs
Want to know more? Here are some frequently asked questions — and answers — about APD’s masking policy:
Q. Do I have to wear a mask on the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital campus?
A. Starting April 10, 2023, masking will be optional for patients, visitors and staff without any respiratory symptoms.
Q. Why is masking going away?
A. As community transmission decreases and population immunity has increased, hospitals are now able to move safely away from requiring everyone to wear face masks. It’s also important to remember that the Public Health Emergency will end on May 11, 2023.
Q. When do I need to wear a mask?
A. You need to wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms or illness, or if you've been exposed to COVID-19 within the last 10 days, or you’ve been diagnosed with a respiratory illness.
Q. What are the signs of respiratory illness?
A. Signs of respiratory illness (with or without a fever) include congestion, cough, runny nose, and a sore throat.
Q. Will I ever be asked to wear a mask?
A. There will be situations where masks are still recommended or required, such as for individuals with weakened immune systems, people with respiratory infection, people exposed to COVID-19 within the last 10 days, or during an outbreak.
Q. What if I still want to wear a mask?
A. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please do! Our staff will mirror your masking preference and wear one, too. We support all masking decisions.
Q. Will masks still be available on campus?
A. Yes, masks will be available at all APD entrances, registration, and patient care areas.
Q. Has the visitor policy changed?
A. Yes. There are now no restrictions on visitation. However, surgical patients in the Perioperative/Post Anesthesia Care Unit and Radiology/Imaging do have some restrictions based on the limited space in exam or waiting rooms.
Q. Do I still need to practice social distancing?
A. Social distancing is no longer necessary. Restrictions will be removed for all private and public spaces at APD, including conference rooms, break rooms, Alice’s Café, waiting rooms, and lobbies.
Q. Can I bring food and drink on APD campus?
A. Yes, you may bring outside food and drink to APD (although the food at Alice’s Café is delicious and open to visitors).