Medical-grade masks required at all Penn State Health locations. Limit use of N95 masks to specific patient-facing scenarios.
To help keep everyone in our facilities safe during a time of extremely high COVID-19 transmission, all staff and students, regardless of whether they are vaccinated, are reminded that they must wear a medical-grade mask within every Penn State Health facility.
On Jan. 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that specially labeled surgical N95 respirators be reserved for use by health care personnel for additional protection against hazards present during certain medical procedures. Following this guidance and to preserve the health system’s supply of N95 masks needed for staff working in specific patient-facing scenarios, Penn State Health is providing employees with an appropriate-level mask based on job location and responsibilities. N95 masks should not be used in place of a level 1 mask.
Masking policy reminders:
- Cloth masks may not be worn alone but may be worn under or over a medical-grade mask.
- Level 1 masks must fully cover both the nose and mouth.
- Cloth masks (by themselves), masks with exhalation valves, gators, bandanas and gas masks are not allowed.
- Face shields should not be worn instead of a level 1 mask, unless for medical reasons.
- Patients and visitors to any Penn State Health facility also must wear a medical-grade, level 1 mask.
- A medical-grade level 1 mask will be provided for any patient or visitor who does not have one.
Only employees who work in specific, patient-facing scenarios should wear N95 masks, along with other personal protective equipment. Guidance is found here:
- Guidance for inpatients undergoing selected high-risk AGP procedures based on COVID community transmission
- Isolation Precautions for Suspected and Confirmed Cases of COVID-19
Employees with questions should work with their operational leader for clarification on appropriate mask usage for their role.
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