General Masking Guidelines:

Medical grade face masks are required for all individuals age 2 and older in all UTMB facilities.

Staff Guidelines:

1. Level 1 masks of the Halyard brand (Item # 47080, 47117; yellow and very light blue; Texture: 3 thin layers paper-like material):
• To be used ONLY when Grade 2 or KN95 masks are not available for source control, standard precautions, and droplet precautions only.
• Must double mask at all clinical locations

• Clinical locations include all departments at inpatient and outpatient facilities where patients are seen or/and cared for.
• All staff in clinical locations include clinical and non-clinical staff.

• Do NOT use for patient care activities with confirmed or suspected COVID patients.

2. Level 2 masks ( BYD, Cardinal, or Halyard #62115; color blue; Texture thick 3 layers) and/or KN95:

• Use one mask for source control, standard precautions, and droplet precautions.

• Do NOT use for patient care activities with confirmed or suspected COVID patients.

• During a shortage of the Grade 2 and KN95 masks the following areas will be prioritized with allocations:

• COVID/PUI inpatient units

• Emergency departments

• Urgent care clinics

• COVID Clinics

• COVID infusion clinics

3.    Note: COVID-19 Isolation precautions require the use of N95 Respirator Masks for all patient care activities. Do not use facemasks for COVID-19 isolation precautions.

Patients and visitor masking:

1. Medical grade face masks are required for all individuals age 2 and older in all UTMB facilities.
2. Cloth masks, Neck gaiters, bandanas, masks with exhalation valves, clear shield-like face masks, face shield without mask are not permitted to be worn as face covering at this time. 
3. Use Level 1 or Level 2 masks, whichever is available.
   • Level 1 masks of the Halyard brand (Item # 47080, 47117; yellow and very light blue; Texture: 3 thin layers paper like material):
     • Use one mask for source control at all areas.
     • Level 2 masks ( BYD, Cardinal, or Halyard #62115; color blue; Texture thick 3 layers:
       • Use one mask for source control at all areas.