Due to high community transmission rates of influenza and other respiratory viruses, Brown University Health will move to respiratory virus status red across all facilities (RI and MA), effective Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Under Status Red, Level 2 surgical masks are required for patients, visitors, and staff at all times. Staff must wear a Level 2 surgical mask, or an N95 when clinically appropriate, covering the nose and mouth. Masks will be provided to patients’ family members and visitors upon arrival at hospitals and to patients for use in patient’s rooms.
This precautionary step is based on:
- Rising community respiratory virus rates in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
- A high number of emergency department patients diagnosed with respiratory viral infections
- Increased hospital admissions related to respiratory viral illness, including hospital-acquired infections
Brown University Health also reminds the public that it is not too late to get a flu shot, and encourages everyone to wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
Brown University Health continues to monitor conditions closely and will adjust safety measures as needed to protect patients, visitors, and staff.