Looking for a face mask? Clarifying mask use in patient care areas

February 8, 2022

You may soon notice some differences in mask availability in patient care areas.

This is because we’re adjusting our recommendations of the type of face mask that should be worn in patient care areas.

If you work in an area that provides patient care, you should wear a mask from your unit or clinic, as these masks have been specially ordered and are intended for patient care (e.g., yellow medical-grade face masks or an N95 respirator).

Moving forward, KN95s and the blue face masks found at many entrances and exits will be for our patients and visitors and for those employees who do not work in clinical areas.

Certain types of masks, such as the yellow medical-grade masks and N95 respirators, are specifically intended for use in medical settings. Because of this, we encourage all staff in clinical care settings to use these masks specifically designated for medical use.

And remember, if you’re caring for a patient with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, additional PPE guidance applies.

Certain masks, like the blue masks and KN95 masks you may find across campus, were not intended for medical use, but still provide superior protection to cloth masks. These masks are safe and effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.