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Updated Masking Requirements as of March 24, 2023

After a review of community transmission levels and assessing the potential impact to employees and Veterans across the Houston VA system, the following guidance for masking requirements are effective immediately.

As always, the health and safety of every employee and those we serve will remain uppermost in our decision-making process as we continue to monitor transmission levels and adjust in accordance with CDC and VA guidance. Please note adjustments to these locations may occur. We will notify you immediately to any changes.

  1. Masking is optional in our Humble, Katy, Tomball, Lake Jackson, Beaumont, Lufkin, Richmond, Sugar Land, Conroe outpatient clinics.   Currently community transmission rates (per the CDC) remain high in Galveston County, so universal masking is required in our Texas City and Galveston outpatient clinics.
  2. Areas of the medical center currently identified as High Risk (including the associated waiting areas) will continue to require mandatory masking by all employees, Veterans and caregivers/visitors. 

These include:

  • Specialty Clinics (first floor)
  • Cardiology, Pulmonary, Neurology, Geriatrics, GI
  • Waiting and recovery areas for surgical or medical procedures
  • ENT
  • Eye Clinic
  • Cancer Center
  • Acute Inpatient Medical/Surgical Units
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Dialysis Units
  • Transplant Unit
  • Community Living Center
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Inpatient Mental Health Unit
  • Emergency Department
  • First floor Primary Care Procedure Room

PLEASE NOTE:  Should a Veteran ask an employee to wear a mask, all employees will comply with this request for the duration of their engagement with the Veteran.

**Masking is required for all individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other viral respiratory infections**

The following continue to apply:

  • Houston VA encourages staff and Veterans to wear masks and will provide masks to all at all sites of care.
  • Visitors must adhere to masking requirements when in high-risk areas
  • COVID-19 testing and vaccination support are available.
  • Employees should not report to work with flu-like symptoms and should contact their supervisor to report any COVID-like illness.
  • VHA employees must mask if a Veteran, caregiver, or family member asks them to wear one.

The health, safety, and welfare of our Veterans and visitors seen throughout the Houston VA system, as well as our employees, always remains the top priority. These changes are subject to change as determined by community transmission levels, surges and/or high rate of positive cases. We will communicate those changes as quickly as possible. Your understanding and support remain critical as we work to provide you the best environment possible to work and receive world-class healthcare.  

COVID-19 vaccines and testing

Being fully vaccinated, receiving a booster shot, and wearing a mask in public indoor settings is the most effective way to protect yourself and others against COVID.  If you have not been fully vaccinated or received a booster, we encourage you to walk in to our main medical center or our community clinics, Monday through Friday during business hours.  There is no need to make an appointment for a COVID vaccine. 

Visit our vaccine and testing page for more information.

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