Team, 

Throughout each phase of the pandemic, we have evaluated and modified our guidelines to respond to changing circumstances with a commitment to safety. Now, based on increasing vaccination rates, low COVID-19 incidence in our community, and updated national and local public health guidance, it is safe to update our guidance on face coverings. Additionally, after a successful employee vaccination campaign, our UI Health Care employee vaccination rates are very high, further enabling us to make changes to our safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.  

Changes to our guidance are being made in partnership with our Program of Hospital Epidemiology, with safety continuing to be our top priority. However, the pandemic is not over yet, and we will continue to monitor the local health situation and make any changes as necessary for the health and safety of our employees, patients and their families, and our community.  

The new guidelines are an exciting reflection of how effective the COVID-19 vaccines are, and they demonstrate that vaccinations are the path to ending this pandemic and returning to a more normal life. 

UI Health Care safety and PPE requirements effective Thursday, May 20 

In facilities where patients receive care (e.g., main campus, UI Health Care–Iowa River Landing, offsite clinics):  

• Fully vaccinated* employees must wear a face mask while providing patient care and when in areas patients and visitors may be present (hallways, public spaces, cafeterias, etc.), and should continue to practice social distancing as able.
• Fully vaccinated* employees are not required to wear a face mask or social distance in non-clinical spaces, such as in offices, cubicles, break rooms, conference rooms, and spaces where patients are not present.
• Employees who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face mask and practice social distancing in all settings and locations. 

In facilities where patients do not receive care (e.g., Carver College of Medicine buildings, HSSB): 

• Fully vaccinated* employees are not required to wear face masks or social distance while in the UI Health Care facility. 
• Employees who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face mask and practice social distancing in all settings and locations. 

*You are fully vaccinated two weeks after the final dose of your COVID-19 vaccine. 

Additional guidance: 

• Eye protection is no longer required during patient care (for both vaccinated and unvaccinated employees), unless required by isolation or standard precautions. 
• Any fully vaccinated individual is welcome to wear a face mask, even in locations where face masks are not required. 
• Patients and visitors will still be required to wear face masks when in UI Health Care facilities, regardless of vaccination status. 

Here to support you

We know this is a big change and you’ll likely have questions. Let’s be supportive of each other as we adapt to these changes. Please review our frequently asked questions about this change on The Loop, and if you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to your HR representative. 

We continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for employees who have not yet been vaccinated. If you would like to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination, please contact the University Employee Health Clinic at 319-356-3631, option 3. 

Our commitment to safety continues. Thanks for all you do. 

 

Brooks Jackson, MD, MBA 

University of Iowa Vice President for Medical Affairs

Tyrone D. Artz Dean, Carver College of Medicine 

Suresh Gunasekaran, MBA 

Chief Executive Officer, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Associate Vice President, University of Iowa Health Care 

Theresa Brennan, MD

Chief Medical Officer