Mask Mandate Returns To RWJ University Hospital Somerset

SOMERVILLE, NJ — The mask mandate is back at all Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health hospitals and facilities including in Somerville.

"In response to the steady increase in respiratory illness and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state, RWJBarnabas Health announces it will implement masking protocols at all RWJBarnabas Health hospitals and facilities starting October 2, 2023," said Spokeswoman Heather Dickerson on Friday.

RWJBarnabas Health University Hospital Somerset is located at 110 Rehill Avenue in Somerville.

Visitors will need to wear a mask, perform a COVID-19 risk assessment prior to visiting, must clean their hands before and after their visit, and practice proper social distancing while in an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

Another medical network also announced a return to masks. On Wednesday, Hackensack Meridian Health began requiring all patients, visitors and staff wear masks at four of its hospitals.

RWJBarnabas Health said to reduce the risk of infection for caregivers, patients and staff, the following masking guidelines must be followed:

• Inpatients - All inpatients, who are able to, will be required to wear a face mask when leaving their room and can also choose to wear a mask at any time.
• Outpatients - Face masks must be worn at all times when at an RWJBarnabas Health facility.
• Staff - Face masks must be worn when providing direct care to patients at all RWJBarnabas Health locations. All staff can also choose to wear a mask at any time.
• Visitors, volunteers, and vendors - Face masks must be worn at all times when in the presence of patients at all RWJBarnabas Health facilities.

Visitors should defer their visitation to another day if:

1. You have a fever or have felt feverish in the last 24 hours or are experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms. Possible symptoms include, but are not limited to:
2. Fever or chills
3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
4. Muscle or body aches
5. New loss of taste or smell
6. Congestion or runny nose
7. Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
8. Cough or sore throat
9. Fatigue
10. Headache
11. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or another contagious respiratory illness, such as influenza or RSV, within the last 10 days
12. If you have had contact with someone with a COVID-19 infection, or another contagious respiratory illness, in the last 10 days and cannot wear a mask.

While not mandatory, RWJBarnabas Health is encouraging all staff and patients six months or older to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

For updates on visitation policies and guidelines visit: rwjbh.org/patients-visitors/what-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19/general-visitation-guidelines.

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