News & Updates
05.11.2023

Masking Now Optional When Symptom-Free 

Starting Thursday, May 11, Northwestern Medical Center (NMC) moves to a masking process that allows for optional masking except when patients are experiencing respiratory symptoms. NMC will continue to use masks in our Infusion Clinic, continue to encourage masking for immunocompromised patients, and continue to wear masks whenever patients or visitors request it.  

Please keep in mind that visitors are not allowed to enter the facility when sick except by special arrangement for certain situations.  

This change was part of a phased approach NMC took, monitoring the conditions of infectious disease in the community while we kept masks in place in certain clinical areas.  

“As the pandemic changes into a more endemic phase, we recognized that it was time to safely relax masking for patients and staff, while taking a thoughtful approach guided by data to ensure we protect our most vulnerable populations,” said Chief Medical and Quality Officer Dr. John Minadeo.   

Any patient who would like to wear a mask is welcome and strongly encouraged to do so, and to ask their care team to wear a mask as well. The hospital will continue to provide masks for anyone who chooses to wear one.