Guide contents
Purpose of the Policy
This mask policy is in place to:
- Prevent the spread of infection, including COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.
- Protect vulnerable groups, such as heart patients and older adults, who are at high risk of complications.
- Comply with health recommendations from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia and global standards (WHO and CDC).
Who Must Wear a Mask
Masks must be worn from the moment you enter the hospital area until you leave.
Outpatients and inpatients
Patient companions and guests
Children aged 2 to 12
Wear masks made for children. Parents or guardians are responsible for making sure the mask is worn
Doctors, nurses, and support teams
Wear medical masks (surgical or N95) in all patient care areas, according to each department's protocol
Types of Masks Allowed
Masks must be worn correctly, fully covering the nose and mouth.
Medical (surgical) masks
The minimum standard for patients and visitors. Available free of charge at the hospital entrance
N95 or KN95 respirator masks
Recommended for patients who are immunocompromised and for people caring for COVID-19 patients. Available at the hospital pharmacy
Cloth masks
At least three layers, clean and dry, and replaced every 2 hours or when damp. Not allowed in the ICU and operating rooms
Masks That Are Not Allowed
If your mask does not meet these requirements, we will provide a replacement mask free of charge.
Masks with exhalation valves
The valve only filters the air you breathe in, not the air you breathe out, so it poses a risk to immunocompromised patients around you
Face shields without an accompanying mask
Bandanas, scarves, or loose face coverings
Damaged or dirty masks
Areas and Situations Where Masks Are Required
Masks must be worn throughout Heartology premises, including in the following areas and situations.
All indoor areas
Entrances and lobby, waiting rooms and corridors, elevators and stairs, and public restrooms
Medical care areas
Doctor consultation rooms, procedure and catheterization rooms, operating rooms, the ICU and inpatient rooms, and the laboratory and radiology
When interacting with medical staff
For example, during consultations and examinations
When within 1 meter of other people
While moving between areas of the hospital
Including when using a wheelchair or trolley
How to Wear a Mask Correctly
A mask is only effective when worn properly. Bring a spare mask when you visit. Our staff are ready to help if you have difficulty.
Prepare Before Putting It On
Clean your hands with soap or hand sanitizer. Check that the mask is not damaged or torn, and make sure the outer side of a surgical mask faces outward.
Put It On Correctly
Fully cover your nose, mouth, and chin. Press the nose wire to fit the shape of your nose, then pull the bottom of the mask down until it covers your chin.
Keep the Mask in Place While Wearing It
Do not touch the front of the mask, do not let the mask hang loose or dangle from one ear, and do not pull the mask down to your chin when talking. Use hand sanitizer after adjusting your mask.
Replace It Regularly
Replace surgical masks every 4 hours or when damp. Replace cloth masks every 2 hours and wash them after use. Replace a torn or dirty mask immediately.
Remove It Safely
Wash your hands before removing the mask, hold it by the ear loops without touching the front, throw surgical masks away in a covered trash bin, then wash your hands again.
Policy Enforcement
Our staff have the right to remind people to wear masks. Compliance is a shared responsibility to keep heart patients safe.
Verbal Warning
Staff will politely remind you if a mask is not worn or not fitted correctly.
Replacement Mask
We provide free medical masks to those who need them.
Restricted Access
Visitors who refuse to comply after 2 warnings will not be allowed to enter or will be asked to leave the hospital area.
Consequences and Special Situations
If the rules are not followed:
- Visitors may be refused entry or asked to leave.
- Outpatients will be given the option to reschedule their visit.
- Patient companions may be replaced by another family member who follows the rules.
- Repeated violations may result in restricted access. Non-compliance may be recorded for the safety of staff and patients.
Special situations:
- Patients with disabilities or certain medical conditions: our team provides alternatives, such as a consultation in a separate room.
- Children aged 2 to 12: parents or guardians are responsible for making sure the mask is worn.
Mask Availability and Accessibility
Surgical masks are available free of charge to all visitors. When picking up a mask, show your identity card for recording purposes.
- Locations: the main entrance and emergency door, the security post and information desk, and the patient registration area.
- Types: 3-layer surgical masks (3-ply, hospital standard) and small children's masks for ages 2 to 12.
- Free replacement: every 4 hours, or when the mask is contaminated, wet or damp, or damaged.
Special accessibility:
- People with disabilities: staff are ready to help put on masks, and transparent masks are available for Deaf people when needed.
- Patients with certain medical conditions: consult a nurse about alternative personal protective equipment (PPE). Isolation rooms are available for those who cannot wear a standard mask.
- Emergency patients: masks are provided immediately by the emergency team.
- Companions of elderly patients: can ask for help putting on masks at the information desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still have to wear a mask if I am fully vaccinated?
Yes. Our policy still requires fully vaccinated visitors to wear masks in all areas of the hospital, to protect heart patients, who are a vulnerable group at high risk of complications. Masks help reduce the spread of many respiratory illnesses, not only COVID-19.
What if I cannot wear a mask because of a medical condition?
Contact our team before your visit. After an evaluation, the team can arrange alternatives, such as a consultation in a separate room with special ventilation, a visit at a special time, or other protective equipment approved by the medical team.
Can I wear a cloth mask?
Yes, if it has three layers, is clean and dry, and is replaced after every two hours of use. In critical areas such as the ICU and operating rooms, only hospital-standard medical masks are allowed.
Why are masks with valves not allowed?
Valved masks only filter the air breathed in and do not effectively filter the air breathed out, so they can endanger immunocompromised patients near the wearer.
What if I forget to bring a mask?
Surgical masks are available free of charge at the main entrance, the security post, and the information desk. Simply show your identity card for recording purposes, at no cost.
What are the mask rules for children?
Children aged 2 to 12 must wear the children's masks we provide. Babies under 2 years of age are not required to wear a mask. Children with certain medical conditions, such as severe breathing problems, need a doctor's certificate to receive special accommodations.
May I remove my mask when being photographed for medical documents?
Yes. For medical documentation that requires facial recognition, there is a designated area at a safe distance where masks may be removed briefly under staff supervision.
Policy Updates and References
Heartology's mask policy keeps pace with developments in health safety standards and refers to:
- Decree of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia on COVID-19 Prevention.
- Circular Letter of the Director General of Disease Prevention and Control.
- WHO Recommendations for Cardiovascular Services.
- CDC Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities.
Policy version 2.1 (May 2024), last updated May 15, 2024. Key changes in this version:
- Addition of transparent masks to support patient communication needs.
- Change in the surgical mask wearing time from 6 hours to 4 hours.
Policy changes are announced on digital notice boards in public areas, "Latest Policy" stickers at the entrances, this page, and the @heartologyid social media accounts.
For more information about this policy, you can contact the Quality Management Department, 7th Floor, through the hospital contacts below.
Contact Us
- Phone
- 1500 258
- Send a WhatsApp message
- info@heartology.id
Next steps
Back to Preparing Your Visit
Rules on mask use for patients, companions, visitors, and staff at Heartology Cardiovascular Hospital, to prevent the spread of respiratory infections and protect heart patients and other vulnerable groups.