As part of our commitment to community health, Fenway will update our masking policy beginning January 7, 2026, based on new guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
DPH shared these recommendations because respiratory illnesses are increasing across the state. Emergency room visits related to the flu have gone from moderate to high, while COVID-19 visits have stayed low over the past four weeks. Many hospitals are seeing very busy emergency departments, mostly due to influenza A.
Following this guidance, Fenway Health will require universal masking in patient care areas.
What this means
- Patient care areas include all spaces that patients use, such as waiting rooms, elevators, hallways near exam rooms, and exam rooms. If you are unsure whether your workspace is a patient care area, please ask your supervisor.
- Patients and visitors will be encouraged to wear masks while in our buildings, especially in patient care areas, to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Masks will be available in lobbies, waiting rooms, and exam rooms. We will also post clear signs and share updates on our website and social media.
- All staff working in patient care areas must wear a mask while on duty in those spaces. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of vaccination status, and helps protect both patients and staff during this period of high flu activity.
- Our Medical Call Center, front desk, and triage teams will review upcoming appointments to identify patients who may have respiratory symptoms. Patients will be screened at check-in and reminded to stay masked while in the clinic.
- When appropriate, we will contact patients ahead of time to offer a telehealth visit or to let them know about the updated masking requirement before they arrive.
Once emergency room visits for both influenza and COVID-19 return to low levels for two weeks in a row, we plan to end universal masking in patient care areas.
These steps are meant to keep our patients, staff, and community safe during a challenging flu season. Thank you for your flexibility and continued care.