Are masks still mandated in healthcare settings in Rhode Island?

4.4.2022

Are masks still mandated in healthcare settings in Rhode Island? 

There is no current requirement to wear a mask in a healthcare facility. However, it is still recommended. If a facility has their own policy requiring mask wearing, the public should adhere to that specific policy. 

It is strongly recommended to follow the CDC guidance for healthcare offices at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html. You can find more information about masking in health care settings there. Scroll down to “1. Recommended routine infection prevention and control (IPC) practices during the COVID-19 pandemic” where masking is described as a “source control” measure. 

While it is generally safest to implement universal use of source control for everyone in a healthcare setting, certain allowances could be considered for individuals who are up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses in healthcare facilities located in counties with low to moderate community transmission. These individuals might choose to continue using source control if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is not up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.