Hospitals across the United States have begun implementing mask mandates amid an increase in respiratory infections.
NYC Health + Hospitals announced a return of mask mandates on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Mandatory Masking is back in effect at our Jacobi campus! Due to the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities & in our hospital, we must return to mandatory masking,” an X post reads. “Our number one priority is to keep you safe! Please wear a mask when you visit us.”
Similarly, the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusettes said its caregiver staff must wear masks for one month beginning on January 2.
“These changes are expected to remain in effect for approximately one month, at which time they will be reevaluated based on current trends. The health and wellbeing of our patients, visitors and employees is our top priority,” Dr. Andrew Karson, president of UMass Memorial Medical Group said in a statement.
Hospitals across Delaware, Washington, and Indiana are also implementing mask mandates.
In November, American Faith reported that California’s Marin County is requiring people in hospitals to wear a mask through March.
“Marin County, alongside other Bay Area counties instituted a health order that requires patients, staff and visitors to wear a mask in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities for the fall and winter virus season, November 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024,” according to the county.
“The intent of the order is to protect individuals in these high-risk healthcare settings and limit the spread of seasonal respiratory viruses including RSV, influenza, and COVID-19. It will apply to all individuals within the facility while they are in patient care areas.”
Some counties in California’s Bay Area also reimplemented mask mandates to prevent the spread of what officials described as a “tripledemic.”
“The order in Santa Clara County does require masking for everyone who steps into a health care facility,” Santa Clara County’s Deputy Health Officer Dr. Sarah Rudman said.
“And that’s because we’re all at risk during this winter virus season. We all need to play a role in protecting ourselves and protecting each other,” she continued.
