The COVID-19 pandemic caused mandatory face mask restrictions around the world. These restrictions held tight for a very long time. Now, it seems some healthcare facilities in Chicago are back to requiring the use of face masks inside their compounds. However, this time it’s more due to the rising cases of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) than COVID-19.
Several Facilities Across the US
Furthermore, the rise in cases of the flu, RSV, and COVID, has caused several hospitals and clinics to revert back to face mask requirements. Additionally, these requirements are expected to last for at least two weeks.
The new face mask mandates were implemented today, Jan. 4, 2024 for Rush. Their new policy requires all staff, patients, and visitors to wear hospital-approved face coverings when in interactive settings. For example, in patient rooms and waiting areas. Moreover, Rush’s new policy follows similar mandates issued by Cook County Health and Endeavor Health last month. Subsequently, Swedish Hospital and eight others which are operated by Endeavor Health, also have face mask requirements.
In addition to Chicago, at least seven other states have issued mask guidelines. These states are:
- Pennsylvania.
- North Carolina.
- Illinois.
- Massachusetts.
- California.
- Washington.
- And Wisconsin.
Rising Concerns
Rush’s Dr. David Nguyen, stated the facility are still concerned about RSV and COVID-19. However, “The flu is actually what we’re really worried about.” Furthermore, he added the change in the face mask mandate was due to the sharp increase of influenza cases.
Moreover, Dr Nguyen pointed out that face masks and social distances appeared to cause “a remarkable interruption” in influenza and RSV cases during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Rush’s new policy aims to “account for all those infections.”
Furthermore, Chicago intensive care units saw the admitted flu patients double between the beginning of December to the 23rd. By Christmas Eve, Chicago hospitals were admitting 30 patients per day due to COVID-19.
Most of Illinois is under moderate to high levels the flu, RSV, and COVID cases.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
ABC7: Face mask requirements are back in some Chicago area health care settings
6ABC: Main Line Health to require face masks at all locations for at least the next two weeks
ABC News: Why hospitals in several states are reinstating mask requirements
Featured Image Courtesy of Ivan Radic‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Shibuya246‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Chris Yarzab‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
