Masks are welcome at the University of Chicago Medicine and may be mandatory in certain spaces within our medical facilities as well as for some patients, visitors and staff. 

  • Anyone is free to wear a mask at any time within UChicago Medicine facilities.
  • If you would like a mask and do not have one — or if you would like a more protective mask like an N95 — you may ask for one at any staffed entrance. 
  • As a patient, you and your family can request that your healthcare providers wear masks during appointments or during your hospital stay. Let our teams know about this request when you check in and you will be given a teal sticker to wear.
  • Masks may be mandatory at some times. Please follow all signs and instructions to wear masks in certain areas, instances and spaces as outlined below. This is necessary to provide a safe care environment for patients and our staff.
  • Areas where masks are required, as well as our health system’s masking policies, may change as our teams monitor respiratory virus trends in our area and the effectiveness of safety measures.

Thank you for helping us provide a safe and healthy environment for our patients.

Masking Requirements

Effective May 22, 2023, masks are required for any patient, visitor or employee who is or has:

  • Had COVID-19 in the last 10 days.
  • Any symptoms of a respiratory illness, even if you have a negative COVID-19 test or an influenza test. 
  • Had close, recent contact with someone who has COVID-19. 
  • Participated in high-risk activities within the past 10 days, such as attending a crowded indoor gathering or flying on a plane.
  • Visiting certain units of our hospital and clinics, as indicated by signs and staff members.

Masks are recommended for all high-risk healthcare workers, patients and visitors, especially those who are immunocompromised. We recommend wearing a well-fitting and high filtration mask (like an N95, KN95 or KF94) at all times when around others. N95 masks are available for patients and visitors upon request. Masks with vents are not allowed.

Masks are optional in other instances. If you are unsure about whether you should wear a mask, please wear one.