In response to decreasing transmission rates of COVID-19 and guidance changes from the CDC and the New Jersey Department of Health, we are pleased to announce changes to our masking and symptom screening policies starting Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 7 a.m.
These changes are in line with other regional academic health systems in New Jersey, including RWJBarnabas Health and Hackensack Meridian Health. The new policies are as follows:
- We will no longer have symptom screening for patients and visitors at the entry points to any Cooper facilities. Signs will continue to direct visitors who are experiencing COVID-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms to wear a mask.
- Masks are optional in certain non-patient care areas, including the hospital lobby, hallways outside of clinical units, elevators, meeting rooms, breakrooms on and outside of units, cafeterias, and offices within the hospital where no patient care takes place.
- Masks are still required in patient care areas for team members, patients, and visitors, including on hospital units (Med Surg, Critical Care, etc.), and in departments and outpatient facilities, including waiting rooms where direct patient care is provided (physician offices, ED, Urgent Care, Radiology, PT/OT).
- There is NO change to our policy in areas where N-95 respirators are required. Click here for details.
- Please respect and support every team member, patient, or visitor who wishes to continue to wear a mask in any Cooper facility.
We will continue to monitor conditions and make further modifications to our policies as warranted. For questions, please contact Dr. Raquel Nahra at Nahra-Raquel@CooperHealth.edu.