Mask Wear Policy

Updated January 21, 2026

Due to increased respiratory illness activity in Maryland, masking is required for staff, patients, and visitors in all patient treatment areas. 

Patients with a flu-like illness or diagnosis of a respiratory illness should:

• notify their care team
• wear an appropriate, well-fitted mask
• socially distance from others
• limit their waiting time in common areas to the greatest extent possible

Authorization to implement more restrictive masking policies is reserved at the department and patient care-area levels and higher, based on medical, public health, and locally determined risk assessments. Hospital-wide changes to mask wear will be determined by review of public health data, Health Protection Condition (HPCON) level, and the current respiratory virus community burden in consultation with Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health, Occupational Health, and Infectious Diseases.

Learn more from the CDC about how you can prevent respiratory illness.