Important System Announcement: New Cook Children’s Masking Guidelines For Employees
As COVID-19 positivity rates drop to single digits in our local counties, effective today, Cook Children’s is making the following changes in our mask policy. Please see the guidance below.
Taking Off The Mask:
ALL Fully-Vaccinated Employees, who are symptom free and without recent COVID-19 exposure, can now take their masks off while inside any Cook Children’s space where patients and families are not allowed.
When To Wear The Mask:
Those Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated: We ask that you wear an FDA-approved surgical mask at all times (unless eating or drinking). This is a change from previous guidance, where non-vaccinated employees were required to wear an N-95 mask at all times.
For All Employees: Face masks are still required for all individuals (including visitors), regardless of vaccination status, in any location where you may come across or interact with a patient or patient family. If there’s any chance of this happening, you must keep your mask on.
N-95 Masks: Please continue to wear your N-95 masks and eyewear in any required situations such as an aerosol-generated procedure or when a patient is suspected or tests positive for a disease where a mask is required (COVID-19, TB, etc.)
For Patients Who Are at Cook Children's For Procedures, Who Have Positive Screening Questions For COVID
- Test for COVID-19.
- Wear an N-95 mask and goggles for the procedure.
- Cancel the test if the patient has symptoms.
What’s Next?
From the beginning of the pandemic, we have kept the safety of you, our patients and their families at the top of mind in every decision we made. We will continue to monitor the situation as we look for ways to return to normal.
Click here for an FAQ that will answer more of your questions.
