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

Masks Required: Surgical masks required in all shared spaces.
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:
- Symptom check: If anyone has had any of the following symptoms within the preceding 24 hours, they must be refused entry:
  - Fever (temperature greater than 100° Fahrenheit)
  - Chills
  - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  - New onset persistent cough
  - Nasal congestion & runny nose not associated with allergies
  - Sore throat
  - New loss of taste or smell
  - Nausea or vomiting
  - Diarrhea
  - Fatigue (new or not explained by a pre-existing condition)
  - Headaches (new or not explained by a pre-existing condition)
  - Generalized muscle and body aches (new or not explained by a pre-existing condition)
- Do Not Shake Hands
- 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.)
- Social Distancing: We strongly encourage you to maintain a distance of six feet between yourself and others.
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

Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. Visitors may include family, friends, loved ones, clergy or other individuals of patient’s choice.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 10 days will not be allowed into the hospital.
Anyone who is not fully vaccinated and has been a household contact or in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 over the past 10 days will not be allowed into the hospital.
visitors must comply with NYS domestic and international travel rules and restrictions.
must wear a surgical mask during their visit. Masks with valves are not permitted. A mask will be provided if needed.
will be screened for symptoms, have a temperature check and be asked for contact information prior to entry.
must wash their hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, before entering and exiting their loved one’s room.
If needed, visitors will be given personal protective equipment (PPE) and shown the proper way to wear it.

During A Visit

Patients are allowed only one visitor at a time and a total of two visitors per day. At Mount Sinai Hospital, 2 visitors will be allowed at one time.
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.
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.
Visitors may not be present during procedures and in the recovery room.
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

Mount Sinai Brooklyn: 2 pm - 6 pm
Mount Sinai Beth Israel: 3 pm - 6 pm
The Mount Sinai Hospital: 10 am - 6 pm
Mount Sinai Morningside: 12 pm - 6 pm
Mount Sinai Queens: 2 pm - 6 pm
Mount Sinai West: 10 am - 6 pm
Mount Sinai South Nassau: 1 pm - 7 pm

Please note, the visitor policy may be adjusted to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. This includes our Emergency Departments, which may have restricted visitation at certain times. Signage will be posted when restrictions apply.

UPDATED VISITOR POLICY – 05/07/2021

Ambulatory Visitor Policy

MSHS Ambulatory COVID-19 Pandemic Visitor Guide

Updated: 4/9/2021

Mount Sinai welcomes visitors to our outpatient practices. Our visitor policy will be limited to ensure proper social distancing within the practices based on current government recommendations.

Patients are allowed only one visitor at a time
Visitors must be 18 years of age or older
Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 10 days will not be allowed into an outpatient practice
Anyone who has been a household contact or in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 over the past 10 days will not be allowed into an outpatient practice
Visitors must comply with NYS domestic and international travel rules and restrictions
During a visit, visitors:
- Must wear a surgical mask during their visit. Masks with valves are not permitted. A mask will be provided if needed.
- Will be screened for symptoms, have a temperature check and be asked for contact information prior to entry. If needed, visitors will be given personal protective equipment (PPE) and shown the proper way to wear it.
- Visitors will be asked to perform hand hygiene upon entry to the facility.
- Social distancing rules will be applied and visitors may be asked to wait outside
  - For surgical patients, visitors may be asked to leave after check-in process and return when patient is ready for pick up

Please note, the ambulatory guide may be adjusted to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors.

Travel Policy

Printable version of our Travel Policy

Revised 4/28/21

DOMESTIC TRAVEL

On April 1st, the New York State Department of Health provided additional guidance stating that all asymptomatic health care workers may return to work after domestic travel without quarantine or testing. This new policy is effective immediately.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

The New York State Department of Health provided further guidance stating that all vaccinated health care workers and those infected with COVID-19 in the last 90 days may return to work after international travel without quarantine or testing. This new policy is effective immediately.

For employees not covered by the above, including unvaccinated employees, you must comply with one of the two options below in order to return to work onsite after international travel:

Quarantine and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 10 days.
- Staff who have supervisor approval to work remotely may do so during their quarantine and will not need to take paid time off.
- Those who cannot work remotely will be required to use PTO or other available leave time for quarantine, unless the travel was work-related.
- Staff must continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14
Quarantine for 7 days and obtain SARS CoV-2 PCR Test on Days 3-5 after return from travel
- Take a PCR test on Day 3-5 following return from travel. Staff may not report for onsite work until 7 days after return even with a negative test.
- Staff who have supervisor approval to work remotely may do so during their quarantine and will not need to take paid time off.
- Those who cannot work remotely will be required to use PTO or other available leave time for quarantine, unless the travel was work-related.
- Staff must continue daily symptom monitoring through Day 14
- 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.

For International Travel, employees should note:

All employees planning international travel must notify their manager/supervisor of their travel plans, including destination and total number of days needed, including time for testing or quarantine.
All employees who are traveling internationally must enter all travel plans into the MSHS Travel Registry before departure. The registry does not replace manager/supervisor approval for PTO. The tool can be accessed both within and outside the MSHS network.

All employees who are on visas must consult with International Personnel prior to departing the United States.

Return to the Worksite Code of Conduct

COVID-19 Testing FAQs for Employees and Students

Updated 3/15/21

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:

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 and 2 West 86th Street.
MSHS Primary Care Locations: At these locations you will be seen by a primary care provider who will provide a COVID-19 test.
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?

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).
MSHS Primary Care Locations: At these locations you will be seen by a primary care provider who will provide a COVID-19 test.
You can also find testing sites through the NYS testing site locator.

Medical and graduate students:

Must complete the Travel Registry for any travel outside New York City
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

Social Media Policy – guidelines for Mount Sinai Health System staff on participation in social media activity.
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

Updated 5/3/21

Policy for ALL MOUNT SINAI EMPLOYEES:

All in-person large group lectures, events and meetings across the health care system should be canceled or offered virtually.
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 or events to 25 people or under, as long as staff are wearing masks and can maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet apart.
In-person meetings above 10 people across the System must only be for essential educational or training purposes. All other meetings of more than 10 people (e.g. department meetings or grand rounds) should be virtual.

Please note:

Food and drink are not allowed for any in-person meetings or events. Catering is not available. An exception to this rule is for Mount Sinai-hosted events/meetings of 6 people or less that are held outdoors.
All non-Mount Sinai participants should be virtual, whenever possible. If it is essential that someone participates in person, that individual must comply with all visitor requirements (screening, travel etc).
This policy applies to all Mount Sinai events, both on and off-campus.
Events/meetings must be in compliance with all other existing organizational policies.
We will continue to evaluate and update these policies as needed.

Volunteer Policy

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.

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.
Volunteers: Individuals who are registered with the Volunteer Department as volunteers and are actively providing services are subject to the following:

In patient care areas: Volunteers who provide services in patient care areas will no longer be permitted to do so.
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.
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.

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.
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

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.

Specialist

Primary Care Physician