Hackensack Meridian Health is now requiring all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks at Southern Ocean Medical Center, Old Bridge Medical Center and Carrier Clinic, as Covid rates continue to increase across the state.

Masking is optional at all other Hackensack Meridian Health facilities, except in some instances, where wearing a mask is still required:

• When isolation precautions (aka transmission-based precautions) are in place (ex. confirmed or suspected COVID-19, flu, etc.);
• Upon request by the patient or the patient’s representative;
• Specific areas of the hospital/facility where highly vulnerable patients are receiving care (e.g. NICU);
• When a patient is experiencing respiratory symptoms (i.e. coughing, difficulty breathing, sneezing, or nasal congestion);
• After exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Masks are available at all Hackensack Meridian Health locations. Patients, visitors or team members who would like to continue wearing a mask where masking is optional are free to do so.