Hospital System Enforces Mask Requirement Throughout Illinois
This comes as several facilities in various states have put mandates in place for the winter season.
This week, a hospital system in Illinois announced that anyone entering its facilities must wear a mask in response to “widespread respiratory illnesses” in the region.
“Moreover, we are implementing a temporary restriction on visitors: only two visitors (age 18+) per patient at a time. Thank you for your assistance in keeping our community safe.”
New Jersey Hospital Implements Mask Mandate
The largest hospital system in New Jersey, RWJ Barnabas Health, announced in December that patients and visitors in its facilities are “expected” to wear face masks. The hospital system is also “strongly encouraging” masking for staff and visitors at its outpatient and medical group locations throughout the state, as stated in a mid-December announcement.
“Please wear an appropriate face mask. We can provide you with a new mask for source control or may request that you replace your own mask with a mask provided by the hospital,” the hospital advised patients and visitors.
Related Stories
For outpatient and medical group locations, “masking is highly recommended for all providers, staff, patients, visitors, and vendors at all times in the presence of patients,” stated the hospital.
RWJ Barnabas emphasized that “masking is MANDATORY for all patients displaying respiratory symptoms, as well as for all staff members and providers caring for them.”
New York State Mandates Mask Usage
As of mid-December, New York state’s healthcare workers who have not been vaccinated against influenza must wear masks while working in areas where residents or patients are present in facilities.
His announcement regarding the masking requirement did not address COVID-19, focusing solely on influenza. During the COVID-19 pandemic, various state and local governments, alongside private businesses, enforced mask mandates due to the virus.
California Counties Enforce Mask Requirements
Since November, several counties in California’s Bay Area have mandated masks for staff at hospitals and healthcare facilities, with the requirement set to expire on March 31 of this year.
Rise in Respiratory Virus Cases
Late last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an uptick in cases of respiratory illnesses associated with RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 across the nation.
