Mask and Visitor Policy: Yale New Haven Health

Masking:

Our masking requirements are changing - for both adults and children. Patients and visitors are no longer required to wear a mask. Patients in our ambulatory spaces and visitors with respiratory symptoms will be asked, but not required, to mask.

This change is being made with careful consideration of the decreasing level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, an increasing level of immunity across the population and the availability of effective treatment.

Visitor Information:

• Emergency Department: One visitor over the age of 18 per patient 24/7, swapping allowed.
• Adult Inpatient (including maternal special care): Visiting hours are from 10 am - 8 pm. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Procedural Areas (HVC / IR / DH, etc.): One visitor over the age of 18 may accompany the patient to their procedure.
• Operating rooms:  Two visitors over the age of 18 may accompany the patient to their surgery.
• Obstetrics: Primary support person will not be considered a visitor. Patients may have two additional support persons at the bedside in addition to the primary support person. Siblings 12 years and older may participate in the birth experience if accompanied by an adult and count as one of two visitors. Children of any age may visit maternity if they are accompanied by an adult and count as one of two visitors. One primary support person over the age of 18 allowed for planned cesarean deliveries. One primary support person over the age of 18 allowed in triage. No swapping allowed.
• Ambulatory Areas (Radiology / Lab / YM / NEMG, etc.) No visitor restrictions including children. Visitors must pass screening.
• Children's Inpatient: Two parents/guardians/caregivers may visit the bedside 24/7. Anyone visiting under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Overnight accommodations are based on the unit leader’s discretion. Children age 12 and under cannot visit at this time.
• Children's NNICU: Two individuals can be at a patient’s bedside at a time. One of these individuals must be a band holder. Visitors who are not siblings must be at least 18 years of age. One band holder may stay overnight. Siblings are not permitted to stay overnight. Siblings, if eligible to receive the vaccine, must have proof of varicella vaccine prior to the initial visit. Children age 12 and under cannot visit at this time.
• Children's PICU/PCICU: Two parents/guardians/caregivers may visit the bedside 24/7. Overnight accommodations are based on the unit leader’s discretion. Children age 12 and under cannot visit at this time.
• Children's Ambulatory: Patients under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Siblings allowed; no age restriction.
• Children's Perioperative: Two parents/guardians/caregivers at the bedside max strongly encouraged. Siblings allowed; no age restriction (siblings will count as second individual at bedside).
• Children's Behavioral Health: No parents/guardians/caregivers.
• Psychiatry: Visits must be pre-scheduled through the assigned social worker and are limited to 30 minutes per day. Two family members/primary supports over the age of 18 (who may be from separate households) permitted per patient.

Masking:

All visitors must wear a face mask and comply with PPE guidelines.

View All Visitor Information

Please call the Yale New Haven Health Patient Relations team at 203-688-3430 with any questions.