‘Masks off’ declared at Michigan Medicine

Effective immediately, masks no longer need to be worn in hospitals and other patient care settings unless you are ill with an upper respiratory infection or caring for patients in droplet precautions.

The number of flu cases has decreased significantly in the area over the past few weeks. Therefore, Infection Prevention and Epidemiology is lifting the requirement to wear a mask in patient areas if one did not receive a flu vaccine.

Please be aware that even though cases have decreased, there is still flu in the area and everyone should continue to abide by all infection prevention best practices.

Additionally, work restrictions for employees with influenza-like illness still apply.

Visitor screening will continue year-round.

Employees with fever and an upper respiratory infection (e.g. coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion) must not report to work until the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication. Any employee who is ill with an upper respiratory infection plus other influenza symptoms (muscle aches, chills, headache) — with or without fever — must stay home until he or she is fever-free and until all influenza symptoms have been resolved for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our patients and colleagues safe this flu season!