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Facilities may choose to require a resident to wear a facial covering only when the resident is in a common area of the health care setting and is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission.

Facilities may choose to require a visitor to wear a facial covering only when the visitor is:

1. Exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission,
2. In a room with a resident who is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission, or
3. Visiting a resident who has been diagnosed with a condition affecting the immune system which is known to increase risk of transmission of an infection from a visitor (even if asymptomatic) to the resident.

Facilities who choose to require a facial covering for any resident in accordance with infection control practices and prevention as described above may allow the resident to opt-out by providing education of the risks versus benefits, recommending frequent hand washing and other guidance as relevant during infectious disease outbreaks or applicable transmission prevention.

Facilities who choose to require a facial covering for any visitor in accordance with infection control practices and prevention as described above may allow the visitor to opt-out by providing education of the risks versus benefits, recommending frequent hand washing and other guidance as relevant during infectious disease outbreaks or applicable transmission prevention.

Facilities must allow an employee to opt out of facial covering requirements unless an employee is:

1. Working with a patient who has been diagnosed with a condition affecting the immune system in a manner which is known to increase risk of transmission of an infection from employees without signs or symptoms of infection to a patient and whose treating practitioner has determined that the use of facial coverings is necessary for the patient’s safety,
2. With a patient on droplet or airborne isolation, or
3. Engaging in non-clinical potentially hazardous activities that require facial coverings to prevent physical injury or harm in accordance with industry standards.