Mask Usage in Healthcare Settings: Is It the Right Time for  Easing Restrictions? A Narrative Review

Hosein  Kouchaki; Reza   Tabrizi; Parnia  Kamyab; Mahya  Pourrahimi; Amirhossein  Ghanei; Shahriyar  Goudarzi; Kamran Bagheri  Lankarani

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i10.20137

Hosein Kouchaki Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Reza Tabrizi Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
Parnia Kamyab Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mahya Pourrahimi Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Amirhossein Ghanei Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
Shahriyar Goudarzi Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
Kamran Bagheri Lankarani Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i10.20137

Keywords: COVID-19; Mask; Personal protective equipment; Healthcare setting; Hospital

Abstract

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, personal protective equipment, particularly face masks, has been central to infection control and reducing associated mortality. Global mask mandates, combined with widespread vaccination, helped curb peak pandemic phases. In 2023, the WHO reclassified COVID-19 as an ongoing health priority rather than an emergency, prompting reassessment of mask policies in healthcare settings. Yet, hospitals remain high-risk, especially with the concurrent “triple epidemic” of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. This review summarizes current evidence on mask efficacy, adherence, and policy changes to determine whether, when, and under what conditions mask use can be safely eased in clinical settings.