Mask Mandate Returns To RWJ University Hospital In Mercer Co.

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mask mandates are back at all Robert Wood Johnson hospitals including the facility in Hamilton, Mercer County.

"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," Spokeswoman Heather Dickerson said on Friday, Sept. 29.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is located at 1 Hamilton Health Place in Hamilton, Mercer County.

Visitors will need to wear a mask and perform a COVID-19 risk assessment prior to visiting. They 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 Sept. 27 Hackensack Meridian Health began requiring all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks at four of its hospitals.

To reduce the risk of infection for caregivers, patients and staff, RWJBarnabas Health has asked visitors, staff and patients to follow these masking guidelines:

• 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.

(With reporting from Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff)