WakeMed Updates Masking and Visitation Policies

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 9, 2023) – After thoughtful consideration, WakeMed has announced Phase 1 of its updated masking policy for staff, patients, and visitors. These initial changes go into effect on Thursday, March 16.

Though community transmission levels and other factors may necessitate a return to partial or universal masking in the future, below are the masking updates as of March 16. Additionally, relaxed visitation guidelines across WakeMed’s physician and outpatient practices will start on Thursday, March 9.

Making Masking Optional

Starting March 16:

WakeMed Hospitals & Healthplexes

• Masking is optional for staff, patients & visitors in:
• Public hallways, breakrooms, conference rooms, elevators, cafeterias, departments where patients are not present, gift shops, outpatient pharmacies.
• Masking is required for staff, patients & visitors ages 2+:
• Emergency Department waiting rooms, Surgical/Critical Care waiting areas, other waiting rooms where social distancing is difficult, nursing unit hallways.
• Masking is required for staff and visitors ages 2+ (not required for patients) in patient rooms.

WakeMed Physician Practices & WakeMed Outpatient Rehab Practices

• Masking is optional for patients, visitors & staff with a few exceptions:
• Patients, visitors & staff who have symptoms of respiratory illness must wear a medical-grade mask in the practice.
• Some practices and outpatient services may require masking based on the patient population they serve.

Relaxing Visitation Limitations

Effective March 9:

With limited exceptions, WakeMed facilities welcome back children of all ages for daytime visits with loved ones. Adult patients in WakeMed’s physician practices and other outpatient services settings may have two visitors of any age accompany them to appointments. Pediatric patients in outpatient settings may have two visitors, one of any age and one age 18 or older. Children must be supervised by an adult.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 970-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, seven emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, more than 80 physician offices and Wake County’s only Level I Trauma Center. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 10,300 employees, 1,000 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 700 physicians and providers with WakeMed Physician Practices – all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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