Novant Health lifts mandatory mask requirement
On March 28 at 7 a.m., all Novant Health facilities lifted universal masking requirements for patients, visitors and team members. The decision to make masks optional was made in collaboration with other regional systems, including Atrium Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Cone Health and Randolph Health.
As encouraged during the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season, everyone should consider their personal risk when considering masking. Patients may request their care teams wear masks during treatment and clinic visits.
While universal masking will no longer be required, certain exceptions apply, including wearing masks when respiratory virus symptoms are present and in treatment areas for high-risk patients, including those in isolation.
As the threat from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu and RSV, evolve, Novant Health will routinely assess risks to patients, visitors and team members. Should additional protection be needed, Novant Health may implement safety guidelines, including updating visitor restrictions, masking requirements and encouraging vaccines.
Anyone experiencing respiratory virus symptoms is encouraged to help control the spread of the illness by not visiting patients in the hospital. Symptoms include fever, headaches/body aches/pain, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
To reduce the risk of contracting a respiratory illness, health care systems recommend frequent handwashing with soap or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; not touching eyes, nose or mouth with the hands; and getting an annual flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine and/or recommended boosters.
Please visit NovantHealth.org/VisitorRestrictions for more information.
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of hospitals, physician clinics and outpatient facilities that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to communities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The Novant Health network consists of more than 1,800 physicians and over 35,000 team members who provide care at more than 800 locations, including 15 hospitals and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. In 2021, Novant Health provided more than $1.1 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, please visit our website at NovantHealth.org. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
