Can I wear a mask that I bring from home?
Appropriate masks are required for entry. Family members and patients who are wearing cloth masks or masks of other material such as N95 respirators brought from home are welcome to exchange their masks for a surgical mask provided at the entrance or continue to wear their masks from home. If you’re wearing a mask made from a loosely woven fabric like lace or hosiery, you MUST wear a provided hospital mask.
When can I take off the mask?
If your child is inpatient, you can take off your mask ONLY when you are in your child’s room alone, with the door closed. When a staff person enters the room, put your mask back on, right away.
You do not need to sleep in your mask. The care team will not wake you up to put it on.
If you are here for Emergency, Urgent Care, Same Day Surgery or an outpatient visit, you should wear your mask at all times, starting with when you exit your vehicle.
What should I do when I need to eat or drink?
- You can take your mask off when you’re eating.
- Fold your mask in half and find a clean surface to set your mask on.
- If you are able, eat in your child’s room. If you have to eat in a common area, please appropriately distance yourself from others dining.
What if my mask gets dirty or damaged?
If your mask gets wet, damaged or otherwise dirty, throw it away in any trash can. Let a member of the care team know that you needed to throw it away and they will get another one for you. Make sure you wash your hands after handling soiled masks.
What happens if I don’t wear my mask?
You will get one reminder to wear your mask outside your child’s room. If after the reminder, you still don’t wear your mask, you will be required to leave the hospital. There are no exceptions. The safety of our patients, other families and staff is too important at this time.