Mask mandates return at some US hospitals as Covid, flu jump
Hospitals in multiple US states, including New York, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts, are reintroducing mask mandates in response to a surge in COVID-19, seasonal flu, and other respiratory illnesses. In New York City, the mask mandate has been reinstated at all 11 public hospitals, 30 health centers, and five long-term care facilities, according to Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the city's Health Commissioner. The move aims to prevent staffing shortages caused by both patients and frontline health workers falling ill during the ongoing surge. The latest weekly data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates over 29,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations across the US from December 17-23, marking a more than 16% increase from the previous week. Additionally, the CDC reported over 14,700 flu-related hospitalizations during the same period.
Mask mandates, which have been contentious throughout the pandemic, are being re-imposed to curb the spread of infections. The Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden's federal vaccine-or-test mandate for companies, while a judge appointed by his predecessor invalidated the public transportation mask mandate. The resurgence of COVID-19 and flu cases has prompted healthcare facilities to prioritize safety measures to avoid further strain on resources and potential staffing shortages.
Rush University medical system in Chicago announced mandatory mask requirements for patients, visitors, and staff in specific areas of its campus, including clinical waiting areas and patient registration. Cook County Health and Endeavor Health in Chicago suburbs reinstated mask requirements in response to the Illinois Department of Public Health's call for enhanced mitigation efforts, including facility-wide masking. In Massachusetts, Berkshire Health Systems initiated mandatory masking, and in California, Los Angeles County reinstated masking at all licensed healthcare facilities.
The move to reimpose mask mandates reflects the evolving situation and the need for proactive measures to protect public health. The decision is driven by concerns about potential staffing shortages and aims to mitigate the impact of the ongoing surge in COVID-19 and flu cases. The healthcare facilities in various states are prioritizing safety protocols to ensure the well-being of both patients and healthcare workers amid the challenges posed by the latest wave of infections.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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