Masking Policy Update
Masking is encouraged but no longer required in most patient care areas at Providence Swedish hospitals and clinics.
Community rates of viral respiratory infections have declined to moderate levels and remained moderate for two weeks in a row, allowing for a decrease in masking requirements. The following is the masking policy at Providence Swedish as of March 23, 2026.
Current masking recommendations:
- For caregivers: Universal masking is recommended when-encountering-a patient (for example, when providing direct patient care, entering a-patient's-room,-or interacting with a patient during therapy or treatment).
- For patients: Masking is recommended when someone enters the patient’s room, as well as when the patient is in a public or shared space (i.e. when seated in a waiting area).-If a patient-shows-signs of respiratory viral symptoms and can tolerate wearing a mask, they may be asked to wear a mask when outside of their room.--
- For visitors: Masking is recommended for those entering a patient’s room.-Visitors with respiratory viral symptoms should not visit and may be asked to leave.-
Current masking requirements:
Masking is optional in most indoor locations; however, all patients, visitors and caregivers are required to wear masks in the following areas/instances throughout Providence Swedish clinics and hospitals:
- When-indicated-by a patient’s isolation type (e.g.,-droplet precautions).
- If a patient, visitor-or caregiver asks you to wear a mask-when-providing-care for a patient.
- In areas with a high volume of immunocompromised patients, including with any of the following patient groups:
-
- Patients in active cancer treatment--
- Patients being treated for hematologic malignancy--
- Recipients of solid organ transplant--
- Patients with an advanced or untreated HIV infection--
- Patients with prolonged use of drugs that suppress the immune system--
- People born with immunodeficiencies--
- Any patient at the highest risk of COVID complications. This may be determined on a case-by-case basis by the attending physician.
These infection prevention strategies-remain in place:--
- Offering masks at-hospital-entrances.
- Encouraging voluntary masking by caregivers.
- Infectious-risk-screening of patients on admission, regular symptom-monitoring,-and-utilizing transmission-based precautions.
- Asking visitors to defer their visit if they are ill.
Swedish symptom self-screening stations will remain in place at patient and visitor entrances. Most stations are equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers and courtesy masks for those who need them.
When transmission levels are high for common respiratory viruses, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends universal masking in health-care settings. At Swedish we adhere to federal and local recommendations to better support staff and patient safety and maintain the overarching goal of providing excellent patient care.
If you have additional questions about masking, please contact the hospital or clinic in which you will be seen or plan to visit. You also can find our visitor policy and additional information for patients and visitors at our website, Swedish.org.
Find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
You can contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or advanced care clinician. If you or a child has symptoms, you can connect virtually with a member of your care team who can review the symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. With Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. If you don’t have a doctor, use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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