U.S. Hospitals Reinstate Mask Mandates Amid Surge in COVID-19 and Flu Cases
In response to a surge in COVID-19, seasonal flu, and other respiratory illnesses, hospitals in at least four U.S. states have reinstated mask mandates. Healthcare facilities in New York, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts are once again requiring masks for both patients and providers.
In New York City, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the Health Commissioner, confirmed the resumption of mask mandates at all 11 public hospitals, 30 health centers, and five long-term care facilities. The move is aimed at preventing staffing shortages, especially after the challenges faced during the omicron wave in 2022, where frontline health workers were significantly impacted by COVID-related illnesses.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a notable increase in hospitalizations across the U.S., with over 29,000 hospitalizations from COVID reported from Dec. 17-23, marking a more than 16% rise 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 reintroduced as a preventive measure. In New York, California, and Illinois, healthcare facilities are proactively addressing the rise in cases and following guidance from state health departments.
The conservative-dominated Supreme Court's previous decisions struck down federal vaccine-or-test mandates and public transportation mask mandates. However, individual healthcare facilities are taking steps to protect both patients and staff by reinstating mask requirements.
Rush University medical system in Chicago and Cook County Health in Illinois have implemented mandatory masking in certain areas, including clinical waiting areas and patient registration. In Massachusetts, Berkshire Health Systems also initiated mandatory masking, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in healthcare settings.
Los Angeles County in California reinstated masking at all licensed healthcare facilities in response to the escalating cases, with other areas expected to follow suit. The resurgence of mask mandates underscores the ongoing challenges in managing public health measures amid evolving pandemic dynamics.*
