Masks Now Required At All RWJBarnabas Health Hospitals Statewide

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Effective Monday, Oct. 2 masks are now required for all patients, staff and visitors at all RWJBarnabas Health hospitals across the state.

This is in response to not just COVID-19 hospitalizations — which are rising but still remain low, according to the CDC — but also "the steady increase in respiratory illness," said the hospital system in a statement announcing the return of the mask mandate.

RWJBarnabas Health is the largest hospital system in New Jersey, and they own 15 hospitals across New Jersey.

RWJBarnabas publicly announced a re-introduction of the mask mandate Friday, but said it takes effect Monday.

Hackensack Meridian Health NJ's second largest hospital chain, brought back the mask mandate first: They said effective Sept. 27 masks are now required, but only at four hospitals in their network that are seeing "an increase in COVID-19 prevalence:"

• Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank
• Ocean University Medical Center in Brick
• Old Bridge Medical Center and Carrier Clinic (behavioral health)
• Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin

Currently, masking remains optional at all other Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals across the state.

Last week: Mask Mandate Returns To Old Bridge Medical Center, 3 More Hospitals