General COVID-19 Non-Clinical Policies
As part of our ongoing efforts to contain and effectively treat patients diagnosed with COVID-19, we are instituting a number of system-wide policies that will impact our staff, patients, visitors and students. These changes are being implemented, on an ongoing basis, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, as well as the NY State and local Departments of Health, to ensure quick and appropriate response to this situation.
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
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Masks Required: Surgical masks required in all shared spaces.
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Before visitor entry or any gathering, the organizer will ensure that a representative is stationed at the entry, with adequate hand sanitizer supplies and directions/signage, to ensure that each individual meets the following criteria:
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Symptom check: If anyone has had any of the following symptoms within the preceding 24 hours, they must be refused entry:
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Fever (temperature greater than 100° Fahrenheit)
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Chills
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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New onset persistent cough
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Nasal congestion & runny nose not associated with allergies
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Sore throat
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New loss of taste or smell
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Fatigue (new or not explained by a pre-existing condition)
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Headaches (new or not explained by a pre-existing condition)
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Generalized muscle and body aches (new or not explained by a pre-existing condition)
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Do Not Shake Hands
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Hand Hygiene: Even if previously done on entering the building or in prior meeting, Hand hygiene with hand sanitizer prior to entry into the room (if no sanitizer is available, the meeting should not occur.)
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Social Distancing: We strongly encourage you to maintain a distance of six feet between yourself and others.
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If any questions (for example, if you are unsure where to secure hand sanitizer for your meeting), please submit questions to CovidQuestions@mountsinai.org
Visitor Policy
Mount Sinai welcomes visitors to the hospitals, including Emergency Rooms, as long as visitors adhere to the policy below. For visitors to our ambulatory locations, please see the ambulatory visitor policy.
The visitor policy for the Mount Sinai Health System is as follows:
Before A Visit
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Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. Visitors may include family, friends, loved ones, clergy or other individuals of patient’s choice.
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Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 10 days will not be allowed into the hospital.
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Anyone who has been a household contact or in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 over the past 14 days will not be allowed into the hospital.
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Anyone who has traveled to a location outside NY, CT, PA, NJ, MA, or VT or traveled internationally within the last 14 days must do one of the following in order to be allowed entry:
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Have a negative COVID diagnostic test that was taken on or after Day 4 of arrival in New York
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Self-quarantined for 14 days upon arrival
* Exceptions include support persons deemed essential to the care of the patient; visitors to those in imminent end of life situations; companions to a patient undergoing a procedure or appointment that cannot be postponed.
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Visitors must wear a surgical mask during their visit. Masks with valves are not permitted. A mask will be provided if needed.
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Visitors will be screened for symptoms, have a temperature check and be asked for contact information prior to entry.
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Visitors must wash their hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, before entering and exiting their loved one’s room.
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If needed, visitors will be given personal protective equipment (PPE) and shown the proper way to wear it.
During A Visit
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Patients are allowed only one visitor at a time and a total of two visitors per day.
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Inpatients are allowed a total of four hours of visitation each day, while Emergency Room patients are allowed a total of two hours of visitation.
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When visiting an inpatient, visitors must keep their mask on and stay in the patient’s room throughout their visit unless asked to step out by hospital staff.
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Visitors may not be present during procedures and in the recovery room.
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When a COVID-19 patient is receiving an aerosol generating treatment [e.g., nebulizer treatments, high flow oxygen and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP)] visitors may not be present.
As defined by New York State, there are certain exceptions to visitation hours and limits. These exceptions include visitors for pediatrics, labor and delivery, end of life (imminent within 24 hours), and patients with cognitive or developmental impairments. Hospital leadership may apply additional exceptions as needed.
Visitors who do not comply with all of the above requirements will be asked to leave.
Hospital Visitor Hours
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Mount Sinai Brooklyn: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Mount Sinai Beth Israel: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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The Mount Sinai Hospital: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Mount Sinai Morningside: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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Mount Sinai Queens: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Mount Sinai West: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Mount Sinai South Nassau: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Please note, the visitor policy may be adjusted to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.
UPDATED VISITOR POLICY – 11/13/2020
Ambulatory Visitor Policy
MSHS Ambulatory COVID-19 Pandemic Visitor Guide
Updated: 8/14/2020
Visitors to the ambulatory setting during the COVID-19 pandemic will be limited to ensure proper social distancing within the practices based on current government recommendations.
Visitors cannot accompany patients with scheduled outpatient appointments unless they meet the outlined exceptions below:
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Patients who require support persons during their visit e.g. the pediatric population, oncology patients, the geriatric population, patients with obstetric visits and patients with intellectual, cognitive or developmental disability.
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Patients scheduled for outpatient surgery are allowed one visitor for the intake aspect of their care. The visitor cannot be present during the procedure or during the recovery time. They can return post-surgery to pick up the patient.
Visitor Screen Pre-Visit:
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The visitor must be 18 years of age or older.
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All visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 when they arrive at the facility. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or who has been exposed to or living with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter.
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All visitors are expected to comply with the New York State rules on quarantine for those traveling from designated “hot spot” locations. If you have traveled to a “hot spot” location in the past 14 days, you will not be allowed entry.
An exception to this rule is:
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for companions to a patient undergoing a medical procedure, elective procedure, or other appointment that cannot be postponed.
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for companions who have traveled with a patient from a hot spot for an essential procedure
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end of life situations.
Patients and their companions must remain quarantined except for travel that is necessary to their medical care, and the companions must abide by the visitor policy while on our campuses.
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All visitors must wear a surgical mask over their nose and mouth during their visit. A surgical mask will be provided if the visitor does not have one, or if the one in use is dirty, damaged, or has a valve. Any other type of mask is not permitted, including mask with valves etc.
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Visitors will be asked to perform hand hygiene upon entry to the facility.
Please note, the ambulatory guide may be adjusted to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors.
Travel Policy
Revised 11/18/20
Due to updated travel guidelines from the New York State Department of Health, the Mount Sinai Health System has updated the travel policy, effective Nov 9th. Employees must adhere to the MSHS policy, as well as to all state and federal travel guidelines.
PERSONAL TRAVEL
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All employees planning personal international and domestic travel outside New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut must notify their manager/supervisor of their travel plans, including destination and total number of days needed, including time for testing or quarantine
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All employees must enter all personal travel plans outside of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut into the MSHS Travel Registry before departure. This registry is an important tool to keep staff and patients safe. The registry does not replace manager/supervisor approval for PTO. The tool can be accessed both within and outside the MSHS network.
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For employees traveling within New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut, there are no testing or quarantine requirements to return to work.
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For employees who travel outside of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut for less than 24 hours, there are no testing or quarantine requirements to return to work.
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Quarantine and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days.
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Staff who have supervisor approval to work remotely may do so during their quarantine and will not need to take paid time off.
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Those who cannot work remotely will be required to use PTO or other available leave time for quarantine.
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OR
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Obtain a SARS CoV-2 PCR test
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Take a PCR test upon return from travel (this may be done as soon as you return). Staff may not report for onsite work while waiting for test results and will be required to use PTO or other leave time during this period.
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All results (negative & positive) must be sent to COVID_travel@mountsinai.org. For negative results, staff will receive an email that must be shared with supervisors upon return to work. For positive results, EHS will contact the employee to discuss additional quarantine requirements.
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WORK-RELATED TRAVEL
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Work-related international and domestic travel is permissible only for essential purposes (e.g., annual conferences are unlikely to be essential). In these very limited and specific circumstances, the Department Chair or supervisor must approve the travel.
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All employees must enter all work-related travel plans outside of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut into the MSHS Travel Registry before departure.
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For employees traveling within New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut, there are no testing or quarantine requirements to return to work.
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For employees who travel outside of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut for less than 24 hours, there are no testing or quarantine requirements to return to work.
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For employees who travel outside of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut for more than 24 hours, you must comply with one of the two options below in order to return to work after travel:
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Quarantine and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days.
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Staff who have supervisor approval to work remotely may do so during their quarantine.
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Those who cannot work remotely will NOT be required to use PTO or other available leave time for quarantine.
OR
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Obtain a SARS CoV-2 PCR test
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Take a PCR test upon return from travel (this may be done as soon as you return). Staff may not report for onsite work while waiting for test results but will not be required to use PTO or other leave time during this period.
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All results (negative & positive) must be sent to COVID_travel@mountsinai.org. For negative results, staff will receive an email that must be shared with supervisors upon return to work. For positive results, EHS will contact the employee to discuss additional quarantine requirements.
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Please note:
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Check with your State Department of Health website for specific requirements on quarantine restrictions outside of work.
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As a reminder, all positive tests must be immediately sent to COVID_travel@mountsinai.org and your supervisor must be notified.
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Individuals returning to New York State must comply with all State travel guidelines, including completing the traveler health form.
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A resource guide on travel considerations is available to assist with travel planning can be found here.
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For U.S. visa holders who plan to travel internationally, please check with your immigration specialist in International Personnel for updates on any international travel restrictions prior to departing the United States to ensure that your re-entry to the United States will not be hindered.
If you have any questions, please speak with your supervisor or manager.
This policy may be adjusted per Department of Health guidelines.
TRAVEL POLICY FAQs
I am planning a trip to Texas from November 21st to November 28th, what do I need to do at work before I go?
You need to submit and receive PTO approval for your trip, including time to either quarantine upon return or to allow time for a PCR test. You also need to enter your travel plans into the MSHS Travel Registry before you leave for Texas.
If you decide to have a PCR test to return to work rather than waiting out the 14 days of quarantine, you should:
1) Submit for PTO from November 21st to around December 2nd, which allows time for the test results to return.
2) Make an appointment to get a PCR test upon return. You can get the PCR test as soon as you return from Texas. You must use PTO until you are cleared to return to work.
3) Once results are received, send them to COVID_travel@mountsinai.org. If test results are negative, you will receive an email that confirms you can return to work.
What day do I need to get the PCR test in order to return to work?
As an employee of Mount Sinai (an essential employee as defined by the State), you may get a test anytime upon your return. It can be the day you return back home or 2, 3, 4, 5 days from the return. The key is that you need a negative test result in order to return to work, and you must use leave time until you are able to return. Send your test results to COVID_travel@mountsinai.org. That is a Mount Sinai requirement.
What if I do not want to get a test?
You do not have to get a COVID test but then you must quarantine for 14 days upon return. If you have supervisor approval to work from home, you will only need PTO days for the time you are away. If you are unable to work from home but do not want to have a COVID test, you must account for this in requesting PTO. In the case above of travel to Texas from 11/21-11/28, you would need to request PTO for November 21st to December 13th.
What travel do all these rules apply to?
All travel outside New York except travel to New York’s five neighboring states—New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. This includes international travel.
Who do these rules apply to?
These travel rules apply to all staff, regardless of where you live and what your position is within the health system.
What if I am just traveling to CT for the holiday?
As an employee you do not need to do anything in order to return to work. No testing or quarantine is required. The restrictions do not apply to interstate travel between: NY, NJ, PA, CT and VT. However, as always, staff should follow social distancing guidelines, practice hand hygiene and wear a mask when appropriate.
COVID Testing FAQs for Employees and Students
Updated 11/24/20
1. Where can I go to get tested if I am symptomatic?
If an employee screens positive for any COVID-19 symptom, they must contact Employee Health Services (EHS) via the online EHS tool. Symptomatic employees are expected to self-isolate; EHS will follow up within 24 hours and provide instructions on where to obtain a COVID-19 test and how to be cleared to return to work.
If a medical or graduate student has COVID-19 symptoms, they must contact Student Health. Symptomatic students should self-isolate until they are evaluated and tested for COVID-19.
2. Where can I go to get tested if I have had a high-risk work exposure to COVID-19?
If an employee has a high-risk exposure, they must immediately notify their supervisor and contact EHS via the online EHS tool. Symptomatic employees are expected to self-quarantine; EHS will follow up within 24 hours and provide instructions on where to obtain a COVID-19 test and how to be cleared to return to work.
If a student has an exposure, they must self-quarantine and contact Student Health. Student Health will provide further instructions on length of quarantine and follow-up COVID-19 testing.
3. Where can I go to get tested if I have had a high-risk community exposure to COVID-19?
Employees who have had a close contact/high-risk exposure in the community (e.g., less than 6 feet for 10 minutes) with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 or who has had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days must contact EHS via the online EHS tool.
Employees who had a high-risk community exposure are expected to self-quarantine; EHS will follow up within 24 hours and provide instructions on where to obtain a COVID-19 test and how to be cleared to return to work.
If a student has a community exposure (e.g., less than 6 feet for 10 minutes), they must quarantine and contact Student Health. Student Health will provide further instructions on length of quarantine and follow-up COVID-19 testing.
4. Where can I go to get tested if I am asymptomatic and have not been exposed to COVID-19?
Employees/students who neither have symptoms nor have had an exposure to COVID-19 are not eligible to be scheduled for COVID-19 testing through EHS. Instead, there are other options:
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MSHS Employee/Student Asymptomatic Testing Site: A limited number of testing-only appointments are available via this link at two sites (no provider appointment is required): 1190 Fifth Avenue (open now) and 2 West 86th Street (opening Monday, November 30).
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MSHS Primary Care Locations: At these locations you will be seen by a primary care provider who will provide a COVID-19 test.
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You can also find testing sites through the NYS testing site locator.
5. Where can I get tested for COVID-19 when I return from travel?
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MSHS Employee/Student Asymptomatic Testing Site: A limited number of testing-only appointments are available via this link at two sites (no provider appointment is required): 1190 Fifth Avenue (open now) and 2 West 86th Street (opening Monday, November 30).
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MSHS Primary Care Locations: At these locations you will be seen by a primary care provider who will provide a COVID-19 test.
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You can also find testing sites through the NYS testing site locator.
Medical and graduate students:
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Must complete the Travel Registry for any travel outside New York City
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Will be contacted regarding required COVID-19 testing, which will differ depending upon where you are returning from and whether you live in Aron Hall
6. Can I go to a MSHS emergency room for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing?
The MSHS emergency rooms should not be the primary source of testing for asymptomatic employees. Please see above for testing locations.
7. Can I submit results from a COVID-19 rapid test in order to return to work/school?
No. You must obtain a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test to get clearance to return to work/school. We do not accept rapid antigen tests.
8. Can I work/attend classes while I am waiting for my test results?
No, you may not work or attend classes in person while waiting for your test results. It is important that you quarantine until you receive the test results. Some employees may be able to work remotely with permission from your supervisor.
Social Media Policy and Toolkit
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Social Media Policy – guidelines for Mount Sinai Health System staff on participation in social media activity.
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Social Media Toolkit – provides links to images, videos and other content which can be used to effectively promote health information related to the COVID-19 public health crisis on social media channels.
Lectures, Events and Meetings Policy
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All in-person large group lectures, events and meetings across the health care system should be cancelled or offered virtually.
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The Mount Sinai Health System, including the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, remains open under this policy but is restricting the size of meetings to 25 people or under, as long as staff are wearing masks and can maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet apart.
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In-person meetings across the System must only be for essential educational or training purposes. All other meetings (e.g. department meetings or grand rounds) should be virtual.
Please note: food and drink is not allowed for any in person meetings. Catering will not be available.
We will continue to evaluate and update these policies as needed.
Volunteer Policy
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In response to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the following policy guidelines have been established for external volunteers, students from other institutions and observers within the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) effective Thursday, March 19, 2020. Important: All volunteers, students from other institutions and observers permitted to remain onsite at MSHS must comply with the COVID-19 Safety Guidelines.
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Pending Applications for Volunteers, Students from other institutions rotating to MSHS, Observers: No pending or new applications will be processed until further notice. Note: The supervisors of students from other institutions with pending applications may request and exception to this policy by emailing a justification to the Department of Volunteer Services (DVS) at VolunteerDept@mountsinai.org.
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Volunteers: Individuals who are registered with the Volunteer Department as volunteers and are actively providing services are subject to the following:
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In patient care areas: Volunteers who provide services in patient care areas will no longer be permitted to do so.
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Volunteers who do not work in patient care areas: Research, administrative and other volunteers assigned to non-patient care areas may continue participating at their supervisor’s discretion, unless otherwise notified by MSHS.
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Volunteer assignments: MSHS plans to maintain a list of registered volunteers, particularly those who are no longer providing volunteer services because of the restrictions, so that they can be deployed throughout the institution, if necessary.
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Students: MSHS will continue to honor its commitment to students currently participating in an educational experience for academic credit at MSHS. MSHS may adjust this commitment at any time to ensure student safety, operational integrity or any other institutional priority.
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Observers: (Domestic and International): All observer programs are discontinued. International Observers should make appropriate arrangements regarding their return home.
Vendors, Consultants and Press Policy
As of July 8, any vendor or outside professional (consultants, equipment support, construction and engineering vendors, auditors, outside counsel, etc.) who performs a necessary function may be permitted on site under the following circumstances:
- A leader responsible for the area must determine before the vendor/professional’s arrival that the services are necessary and must be provided on site (e.g., equipment maintenance and support).
- Once approved, the vendor/professional will be permitted to enter the Mount Sinai Health System, solely to provide necessary on-site services.
Any individual who is permitted on the premises is subject to the same restrictions and requirements as visitors, including symptom screening upon entry and wearing appropriate PPE. However, the limitation on visitor hours shall not apply.
Cafeteria and Food Services Policy
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Main cafeterias will be restricted to those with a Mount Sinai ID only. Cafes and smaller on-site food options will remain open to all, staff permitting. We are implementing this to protect our patients and visitors from large gatherings and to protect our staff. At a point of entry, as worked out by each site, patrons will be asked to show ID and to use hand sanitizer before entry.
New Policy on Gifts
During this crisis, many major companies want to thank the front line health workers for their dedication and service to our communities by making gifts of their products and services. As part of our continued support of our employees, we are relaxing our stringent no gift policy to allow Mount Sinai to accept gifts from organizations other than current healthcare vendors. Leadership will distribute these gifts as appropriate across the health system or the local sites, depending on the gift and donor. Please direct any donors to donations@mountsinai.org.