UNC Health hospitals and clinics in the Triangle area are planning to relax most mask requirements for employees, patients and visitors beginning Monday, July 19. The locations will transition to “mask optional” in most areas.

The relaxation of the policies is based on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and new data across North Carolina. The data shows COVID-19 cases and transmission rates continuing to decline. Still, UNC Health said the policy may continue to evolve as the data continues to be monitored and workforce needs change.

“Cases of COVID-19 are at their lowest ever so the risk of transmission has dropped,” said Dr. David Wohl, an infectious diseases expert with UNC Health. “So it makes sense to adjust our response to reflect the current status of the pandemic.”

Some exceptions remain to the “mask optional” rule. Patients who have symptoms of respiratory illnesses must continue to wear a mask, and workers who provide direct care to those patients must also wear a mask. Masks may still be required for workers, patients and visitors in high-risk areas such as the intensive care unit. Patients who voluntarily choose to wear a mask can ask their provider to wear one.

Masks are still encouraged throughout UNC Health facilities and will still be available for use.

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