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COVID-19 Updates
Coronavirus

Mask Policy and Service Changes

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we work, live and operate. Here, 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, mask policy and service changes due to COVID-19. Check back frequently for the latest updates on any coronavirus safety measures.

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, please review its visitor policy:

Health system facilities in the Kansas City area visitor policy guidelines include:

For most emergency department patients in Kansas City, 2 guests per patient are allowed. Limiting the number of visitors helps us practice physical distancing and prevent virus spread.

Any person who runs a temperature or reports any cold- or flu-like symptoms may not accompany a patient into our facilities. No COVID-19-positive visitors are allowed.

For most patients, 2 visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:

  • Additional support persons for patients nearing the end of life
  • 1 visitor for patients in surgery and procedure area waiting rooms (0 visitors in pre- and postoperative areas)
  • 0 visitors for patients receiving cancer treatments/infusions (1 visitor allowed for cancer exam appointments)
  • 0 visitors for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19

Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in our facilities.

Visitors should go directly to the nurses station in the area they are visiting before going to a patient’s room. Any visitor who runs a temperature upon screening or self-screening or reports any of the symptoms outlined on the screening signage should return to their vehicle and not accompany the patient into our facility.

For most patients with in-person appointments at Kansas City area locations, 2 guests per patient are allowed. Limiting the number of visitors helps us practice physical distancing and prevent virus spread.

Any person who runs a temperature or reports any cold- or flu-like symptoms may not accompany a patient into our facilities. No COVID-19-positive visitors are allowed.

Masks required for patients, visitors and staff

As we work together to preserve 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 now say that people who have been fully vaccinated can resume activities they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. However, CDC guidelines also say that masks should continue to be worn by everyone in a healthcare setting. Masks continue to play an important role in preventing spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Wearing a barrier mask provides a measure of protection for all of us.

If you're hesitant, please remember: "When you wear a mask, you protect others. When I wear a mask, I protect you."

We're commonly asked the following questions, and we hope the responses help everyone understand the value of wearing masks to protect each other.

  • Wearing a mask is required for all people who are inside The University of Kansas Health System facilities. In fact, the CDC guidelines, although they are now relaxed for vaccinated people, still say that everyone should continue wearing a mask when inside any healthcare setting.

  • It's possible to have COVID-19 without having symptoms. Masks help prevent germs from traveling far enough to infect others, especially those at high risk. If you wear a mask, you protect others from germs you do not even know you have. When others wear masks, they protect you the same way.

  • Asymptomatic transmission refers to transmission of the virus by a person who does not develop symptoms.

  • Please contact your care team in advance of any appointments and let our staff know of your condition. Telehealth may be an appropriate option for you. To protect others, always maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance around yourself, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, and cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow.

  • Masks should not be placed on children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.

  • For the safety of all patients, visitors and staff, we require all who enter our facilities to wear a mask. If you cannot wear one, or refuse to wear one, please contact your care team to discuss options like telehealth.

  • The mask should cover your nose and chin. It should fit snugly but comfortably and should not restrict your breathing. It should be secured with ear loops or ties. You should handle the mask only by the ear loops or ties when removing and should be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, mouth or face while removing. Cloth masks should be laundered between uses.

  • No. When in our facilities, including in exam rooms during visits, you must wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth. If you would like to wear a face shield as well, you are welcome to do so, but it must be in addition to a mask. The face shield provides helpful protection, such as for the eyes, but it does not fit closely over the nose and mouth to contain the spread of respiratory droplets. Wearing a face shield does not take the place of wearing a mask.

  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest information and recommendations.

Service changes

We have made and will continue to make service changes necessary to uphold health and reduce risk.

  • We've reinvented the outpatient clinic experience with process changes to protect patient and staff. Learn more about what to expect when you visit us for your important healthcare.

    • Contact your care team directly to learn more about remote and select in-person options.
    • Turning Point is offering a variety of classes by Zoom through July. Learn more.

  • We often test patients who are admitted to the hospital. Determining each person's status can help us provide the best individualized plans of care.

  • We have made temporary changes to our food, drink and dining offerings throughout health system cafes.

    • We have closed self-serve options, including salad bars and fountain drink stations.
    • We have discontinued the use of reusable cups.
    • We have reduced capacity for dine-in seating – though grab-and-go food and drink options are still readily available.

    Roasterie Café hours are posted at each location.

    D&G Café and Bell Café continue to offer fresh-brewed Roasterie coffee 24/7.

  • Valet parking services have changed:

    • Valet parking at our main campus, including Cambridge Tower A, has closed. Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., we will be happy to meet you with a wheelchair at your vehicle and assist you to and from your appointment.
    • At The University of Kansas Cancer Center at our Westwood Campus and at the Richard and Annette Bloch Radiation Oncology Pavilion on Rainbow Boulevard, all visitors must be screened before exiting their vehicles. Once you have passed your screening, we will valet park your vehicle.

We are seeing patients for primary and specialty care needs. Call 913-588-1227 to make an appointment today.

Related links

COVID-19 Testing
Mask Policy & Service Changes
Health & Safety Protocols
COVID-19 Newsroom
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Request An AppointmentCall 913-588-1227
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