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COVID-19 Updates

Mask Guidelines and Hospital COVID-19 Changes
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we work, live and operate. At The University of Kansas Health System, we keep you, our visitors and our staff informed on our current safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On this page, you can learn about our visitor guidelines, service changes and mask policy due to COVID-19. Check back frequently for the latest updates on any coronavirus safety measures.
Visitors allowed for COVID-19 patients
The CDC continues to recommend limiting visitors, but visitors are not restricted from patients with active COVID-19 infections.
- The CDC recommends limited in-person visitation while a COVID-19 patient is infectious.
- At the health system, visitors of COVID+ patients should adhere to infection prevention principles consistent with national standards of practice. Visitors are advised to follow current safety guidelines: Wear a gown, surgical mask, eye protection and gloves while visiting; wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting the room.
- A member of the care team will educate visitors on these protocols and document the discussion in the patient’s chart.
Guidelines for visiting the health system
To protect our patients, visitors and staff, we have important safety guidelines for visitors and others accompanying patients to appointments.
If your healthcare needs will be met at one of the following locations, you may be subject to the individual facility’s most current visitor policy. Reference your appointment reminders or check the facility’s policy online:
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Great Bend Campus
- St. Francis Campus
- LMH Health
- North Kansas City Hospital
- Atchison Hospital
Health system facilities in the Kansas City area visitor policy guidelines include:
Service changes
With the rise and fall of COVID-19 cases, the health system has made and will continue to make service changes necessary to uphold health and reduce risk. Reallocation of resources may occasionally affect outpatient visits and procedures.
Masks required for patients, visitors and staff
As we work together to preserve the health and safety for our health system and communities, we require all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks.
Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ask that all healthcare facilities require all patients, visitors and staff to wear a mask indoors. These guidelines help maximize protection from COVID-19 infection. Following these recommendations will help us prevent spreading the virus to others. To check your local COVID-19 community rate and find local guidance, visit the CDC website.
If you are hesitant to wear a mask, remember: "When you wear a mask, you protect others. When I wear a mask, I protect you." The health of our communities depends on it. We're commonly asked the following questions. Our expert's responses help everyone understand the value of wearing masks to protect one another.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing and symptoms and risks.