We continually review our safety steps as we monitor COVID-19 in our area. We encourage you to arrive early to allow extra time for some of our new guidelines.

Here is what we require of all patients, visitors and staff, even if fully vaccinated:

Wear a face mask at all times.

Masks are required for everyone age 2 and up when you are inside our care facilities, even if you are fully vaccinated. A mask will be provided for you if you need one.

The following face coverings are not allowed: bandanas, gaiters, masks with exhalation valves, or clear shield-like face masks.

Our staff members may wear additional personal protective equipment, depending on the care they are providing.

Practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet.

We have measures in place throughout our care facilities to allow physical distancing, except when you are getting medical care.

Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

You will find hand sanitizer stations throughout our care facilities, including at the building entrance and in clinical care areas. Your practitioners will sanitize their hands before and after caring for you.

Complete your COVID-19 screening before you visit.

We screen for COVID-19 several times before an in-person appointment. Make your visit go faster by completing our COVID-19 screening before your appointment. Fill out this form, use the link in the text message you receive the day before your appointment or snap a photo of the QR code on your way inside the building to get your approved visitor pass. Show your pass when you arrive and wear your mask, even if you have been vaccinated.

If you have not completed the electronic-based self-screening, you will be screened in person when you arrive at your appointment.

Anyone suspected of having COVID-19 during our screening is not allowed to enter, and we provide appropriate COVID-19 care and testing instructions.

If you are scheduled for a procedure or surgery, but do not have COVID-19 symptoms:

Many procedures and surgeries require a COVID-19 test. If a test is necessary, a coordinator will call you to schedule the test at a Johns Hopkins testing facility.

• Since June 7, 2021, COVID-19 testing is no longer required for patients without COVID-19 symptoms (asymptomatic) who are scheduled for the following procedures:
  • Outpatient procedures or surgeries that do not involve administration of general anesthesia or require deep sedation
  • Colonoscopies or flexible sigmoidoscopies that are not performed in a hospital site

This means that asymptomatic patients who pass the screening questions when undergoing procedures such as cystoscopies or eye surgeries under local anesthesia will not need to be tested for COVID-19 before the procedure. Similarly, patients scheduled for outpatient colonoscopies performed at a nonhospital ambulatory site will not be required to get tested for COVID-19 if they pass the screening questions. If you are already scheduled for testing before a procedure in one of the two above categories, you may be contacted to cancel your test.

COVID-19 testing before a procedure is still required for:

• Procedures that involve deep sedation or general anesthesia, including upper or advanced endoscopy in any care setting
• Lower endoscopy (e.g., colonoscopies or flexible sigmoidoscopies) performed in a hospital setting
• Procedures that require an overnight stay in the hospital

We are continually reviewing our COVID-19 testing requirements, including the role of vaccination, and will make further adjustments as it is safe to do so.

Using MyChart, you can digitally check in seven days before your appointment. You can also call your practitioner’s office in advance to check in. We strongly suggest one of these methods so we spend more time on your care during your appointment.

As we reopen our in-person care, we are doing everything possible to ensure a safe and efficient visit for you. This includes using telemedicine or other communication to enhance your safety. Johns Hopkins Medicine is taking significant measures to reduce exposure to COVID-19; however, as in any community or public setting, an exposure risk remains. It is important that you recognize these matters before your care. When you check in for your appointment, we will ask you to sign an acknowledgement form.