UNC Health eases mask mandate as COVID continues to decline. Here are the new rules.

UNC Health will ease mask requirements in its hospitals and clinics beginning next week, a health system spokesperson announced Thursday.

For the last three years, masks have been mandatory for patients, staff and visitors. That requirement will be removed starting June 19, except in a few situations:

• Patients who have symptoms of respiratory illnesses must wear masks.

• Staff providing care to patients with respiratory symptoms must wear masks.

• Masks may still be required for staff, patients and visitors in certain high-risk areas such as ICUs and transplant units.

• Patients who choose to mask can ask their provider to wear one, too.

Although it’s no longer required in most situations, wearing a mask is still encouraged, according to a press release from the health system.

“It should be recognized that masks in our facilities are not going away,” said Dr. David Wohl, a UNC infectious disease expert. “In clinic, I will continue to mask.”

Duke Health announced a similar new policy on Tuesday.

Masks are now optional at Duke Health’s campuses as well, barring a few exceptions, like if a patient or visitor has respiratory symptoms or if a staff member is within 10 days of a COVID-19 infection.

As of May 16, masking has not been required in patient rooms, unit hallways and waiting rooms at WakeMed.

Teddy Rosenbluth covers science and health care for The News & Observer in a position funded by Duke Health and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work.