Cleveland Clinic Masking Policy

Do I have to wear a mask when I come for an appointment or to visit a loved one?

No, you don’t have to wear a mask when you come to our locations. But from November through April — what’s now called respiratory virus season — cases of flu, RSV and COVID-19 tend to increase. During this time, we encourage you to take these precautions to help reduce the spread of illnesses:

• Take care when you cough. Practicing good cough etiquette can help protect those around you. Always turn away from others when coughing, and cover your mouth with a tissue — or in your elbow, if one isn’t handy.
• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Stay home when you’re sick. Feeling unwell? If you’re not the patient, it’s best not to visit to avoid infecting anyone.

Should I consider still wearing a mask?

We realize you might not have a mask hanging from your rearview mirror or stashed in a bin right by the door anymore, but there’s still a time and a place for them. We recommend wearing a mask:

• If you’re immunocompromised: This means your immune system is underactive and doesn’t fight off diseases like everyone else’s. Since you’re at high risk for complications from respiratory viruses, masking is a great added precaution.
• If you have a respiratory virus: Coughing or sneezing? If you have symptoms of any type of respiratory virus, we encourage you to wear a mask to protect others around you.

Of course, you’re always welcome to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable to have another layer of protection while visiting with us.

Are there any areas at Cleveland Clinic where masks are mandatory?

We may require you to mask in some areas of the hospital where we care for particularly vulnerable patients — like our Intensive Care Unit.

Forgot yours? No worries. We still have them available here for you.

Do these guidelines apply to all Cleveland Clinic locations?

Our masking guidelines are for our Ohio locations, including our Main Campus, community hospitals, family health centers, express cares and urgent cares.

In Florida, we may ask you to wear a mask if you:

• Have any symptoms of a respiratory virus
• Are in a sterile environment, like a hospital room or anywhere procedures are performed
• Are in a room with a patient who has an infectious disease or a compromised immune system

Masking can help keep both patients and visitors safe. You can choose not to wear a mask if you take other precautions.