Hospitals in several states are reintroducing face mask mandates as concerns mount over a “quad-demic” of viral infections this winter. The rise in cases of influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus has prompted medical institutions to revise their masking policies in an effort to protect patients, visitors, and staff.
Approximately 15 million cases and 30,000 deaths have been attributed to these infections in the current season, according to a report by The Daily Mail. Because of this, hospitals in at least eight states, including North Carolina, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York, have implemented or strongly encouraged mask-wearing protocols.
Duke Health in North Carolina has updated its guidelines, stating, “Due to increased respiratory illness in our communities, we are updating our visitation restrictions after consultation with our Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention experts.” Duke Health now requires masks in certain patient care areas and strongly recommends them in all patient areas. Visitor restrictions have also been tightened.
In Massachusetts, Mass General Brigham, a network of 12 hospitals treating 2.5 million patients annually, has reinstated masking requirements for clinicians and staff in patient areas. While patients and visitors are not mandated to wear masks, they are strongly encouraged to do so.
These measures come as health experts in the US are eyeing a recent viral outbreak in China. The virus was reported to be overwhelming hospitals in the northern provinces of the country.
