Masking Recommendations for Rutgers Health Clinical Areas

December 8, 2025

Dear Rutgers Health Community,

As respiratory virus activity continues to rise across New Jersey and the nation, including increases in influenza and COVID-19, we are sharing updated masking recommendations for our clinical environments. These recommendations align with our broader seasonal flu communications and represent one more way we can protect ourselves, our colleagues, and the patients and communities we serve.

While masking is strongly suggested in clinical settings at this time, it is not mandated unless otherwise noted below. Our shared goal remains clear: reduce transmission, keep our workforce healthy, and ensure safe, uninterrupted patient care.

In addition to masking when appropriate, please continue to follow the preventive steps we have emphasized throughout this season:

• Stay home if you have a fever or symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Wash your hands frequently and practice good respiratory hygiene.
• Get your annual flu vaccine, which is mandatory for Covered Individuals and strongly encouraged for all others.
• Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination.

Below are specific guidelines for Outpatient locations:

• Masking is required for all patients who present with respiratory symptoms, as well as all staff members and providers caring for them.
• Masking is strongly encouraged for all physicians, providers, staff, patients, visitors, and vendors at all times when in the presence of patients.
• Outpatient and inpatient sites may choose to require universal masking if it is in the best interest of the population they serve (e.g., locations serving primarily immunocompromised patients). We need to follow the local guidance of our clinical partners.
• Patients have the right to request that their physician, provider, and/or staff wear a mask during their care. If a request is made, the clinical team must comply.

Thank you for your continued commitment to safeguarding the health of our patients and our Rutgers Health community. We will continue to monitor respiratory virus trends closely and provide updates as needed.

Wishing you good health,

Vicente Gracias, MD
Senior Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs, Rutgers Health
Vice President for Health Affairs, Rutgers University 

Brian L. Strom, MD, MPH 
Chancellor, Rutgers Health
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Rutgers University