The information on this page is directed to UCSF faculty, staff and learners and Benioff Children's Hospitals faculty. 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 March 24, 2023
UCSF is revising its masking policy to align with new public health orders.
- Effective April 3, wearing masks is now optional, but recommended, in all areas except those where patients are present, including elevators and lobbies where clinical services are provided.
- Masking on campus shuttles and elevators is no longer required but recommended.
- Masking requirements in classroom meetings for credit-bearing courses that are part of the curriculum within any of the schools is at the deans' discretion.
- Masks are available at security stations and on-campus shuttles.
- Please respect and support everyone's individual decisions, including those who choose to continue to wear a mask.
- Wearing a mask helps protect others in our community who may be immunocompromised or at greater risk for serious illness.
- Masks differ in the degree of protection they provide. N-95 respirators provide the highest level of protection, followed by K-95, surgical masks, and Cal OSHA-accepted cloth masks.
UCSF Campus Buildings | Face-covering Guidelines
|
Campus Location |
Masking Guidance |
|---|---|
|
Outdoors |
Optional |
|
Indoors |
Optional |
|
Elevators |
Optional |
|
Shuttles & Shuttle Stops |
Optional |
|
Break Spaces w/Food & Beverage |
Optional |
|
Dining |
Optional |
|
Child Care |
Optional |
|
UCSF Health Hospitals & |
Required for Staff |
UCSF Health Buildings | Masking Guidelines
Employees and leaners can eat, drink or meet using the following guidelines (effective April 3, 2023):
|
Location |
Masking Guidance |
|---|---|
|
INDOOR CLINICAL AREAS Clinical and common areas where patients can be present (including waiting rooms and during patient care) |
Masking required |
|
ELEVATORS AND PUBLIC LOBBIES IN HEALTH CARE BUILDINGS |
Masking required |
|
UCSF SHUTTLES |
Masking optional |
|
DESIGNATED ROOMS in INDOOR CLINICAL AREAS Where patients do not have access (e.g. shared charting rooms, radiology reading rooms, pathology multi-head scope rooms, shared offices, team workrooms, break rooms, and conference rooms) |
|
|
CAFETERIA IN HEALTH CARE BUILDING In addition to indoor dining areas, includes hospital balconies, terraces, and porches where patients can be present. |
|
|
CLASSROOMS1 IN HEALTH CARE BUILDINGS |
|
|
NON-CLINICAL BUILDINGS (e.g. Christie Ave. Emeryville, Brisbane, 1800 Owens, China Basin Labs only at Berry St., etc.) |
|
|
ALONE IN AN OFFICE or VEHICLE |
No masking required |
|
OUTDOORS - GENERAL |
1Instructor-defined
For questions, contact the COVID hotlines:
- UCSF Health Employees dial (415) 514-7328
- UCSF Students dial (415) 476-8736 or online via COVID-19: Occupational Health Guidance for Healthcare Personnel
Content may be edited based on changes in guidance at the federal, state and/or local level.
UCSF Health Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I still need to wear a mask?
Masking is still required for all employees and learners in areas where patients are present, including elevators and lobbies.
Q: Do I still need to screen upon entry to UCSF Health premises?
No, but you should continue to follow guidance, available on the Digital Screener website.
Q: What other measures should I do to protect myself?
Hand hygiene is key to preventing transmission of infections and is an important part of preventing COVID-19 infection in healthcare settings and in the community.
Cleaning environmental surfaces that are touched by multiple people is also an important measure to prevent the spread of infection.
Stay home if you are ill and refer to Occupational Health Services’ Return-to-Work policy
Wear a mask if you have a resolving illness or symptoms.
Q: Do patients and visitors still need to mask?
No.