- Effective April 3, wearing masks is now optional, but recommended, in all areas except those where patients are present, including elevators and lobbies where clinical services are provided.
- Masks are available at nurse stations and at the facility entrance area.
- Please respect and support everyone’s individual decisions, including those who choose to continue to wear a mask even if not required.
- Wearing a mask helps protect others in our community who may be immunocompromised or at greater risk for serious illness.
- Masks differ in the degree of protection they provide. N-95 respirators provide the highest level of protection, followed by K-95, surgical masks, and Cal OSHA-accepted cloth masks.
Chinese Hospital is revising its masking policy to align with new San Francisco public health orders and California Department of Public Health order:
All Employees can eat, drink, or meet using the following guidelines (Effective April 3, 2023):
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I (Healthcare Personnel) still need to wear a mask?
- Masking is still required for all employees in areas where patients are present, including elevators and lobbies.
Q: Do I still need to screen upon entry to the facility premises?
- No, but you should continue to follow the guidance.
Q: What other measures should I take to protect myself?
- Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of infections and is an essential part of preventing COVID-19 infection in healthcare settings and in the community.
- Cleaning environmental surfaces that are touched by multiple people is also an important measure to prevent the spread of infection.
- Stay home if you are ill and notify the supervisor/manager and HR department.
- Wear a mask if you have a resolving illness or symptoms.
Q: Are patients and visitors still required to wear a mask?
- No, patients and visitors are recommended but not required to wear a mask while in the facility patient care area except if the patient on isolation for a communicable disease visitors must follow any instructions posted and as instructed by the nurse.
Masks are recommended to wear as protection against getting or spreading COVID-19 whenever:
- Community spread is high, like during surges
- You want protection in indoor public settings, or in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
- You, or someone you live with or spend time with, are at risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19.
- You feel at risk.
- You are concerned about long COVID.
