COVID mask mandate: RWJBarnabas Health hospitals, facilities bringing it back Monday

All RWJBarnabas Health hospitals and facilities will implement masking protocols starting Monday, Oct. 2, in response to the increase in respiratory illnesses and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state, the health system announced Friday afternoon.

In Central Jersey, masking will be implemented at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway, Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, as well as Children's Specialized Hospital facilities, among other RWJBarnabas Health facilities.

All inpatients who are able will be required to wear a face mask when leaving their room, and face masks must be worn by outpatients, visitors, volunteers and vendors when in the presence of patients, RWJBarnabas Health said. Face masks also must be worn by staff when providing direct care to patients.

More: What about that newly approved COVID booster — should my kids get it?

In its statement, RWJBarnabas Health encouraged all staff and patients six months or older to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: COVID mask mandate returns to RWJBarnabas Health hospitals