The information on this page is intended for the UCSF Health System, including UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, Saint Francis Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital. UCSF Fresno should follow its current local and institutional policies for masking. For patient information, visit UCSF Health’s COVID-19 Information for Patients & Visitors or COVID-19 Vaccines at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals websites.

Updated April 30, 2025

UCSF Masking Guidance

Face masks are no longer routinely required across all areas of the University. This guidance is effective on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at UCSF West Bay campuses. UCSF Fresno should follow its local or institutional policies for masking.

Face masks are required only in areas where direct patient care is delivered during the following time periods: 

• Annual respiratory viral season, from November 1 to April 30
• Sustained periods of high community transmission of respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. 

Outside of these periods, wearing face masks is optional in areas where patient care is delivered.

For information, review the FAQs for UCSF Health Masking Guidance.