Hospitals and Local Governments Reinstate Mask Mandates in Response to Health Concerns
Several hospitals and local authorities across the United States have reintroduced mask mandates due to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, triggering reimplementation of safety measures.
States Enforcing Mask Mandates
In recent days, multiple states such as New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington have reactivated mask mandates in healthcare settings and public spaces.
Philadelphia Area Hospital Systems Introduce Masking Requirements
Around the Philadelphia area, four hospital systems have mandated face coverings. Cooper University Health Care facilities initiated mask mandates starting Jan. 5, while Jefferson Health temporarily requires masks for staff until Jan. 29, and the University of Pennsylvania Health System implements mask requirements during patient care procedures.
Los Angeles County & San Francisco Bay Area Imposes Masking Protocols
Los Angeles County has announced mandatory masking in specific hospital settings linked to COVID-19 hospitalizations. Meanwhile, several counties around the San Francisco Bay Area have reinstated mask mandates due to anticipated winter respiratory illnesses, effective until April.
New York City Implements Mask Mandate in Healthcare Centers
New York City imposed a mask mandate across its public hospitals and health facilities to prevent staffing shortages, particularly among front-line health workers, stated the city’s health commissioner, Ashwin Vasan.
Illinois, North Carolina, Delaware, and Washington State Reinstate Mandates
In Illinois, Cook County Health and Endeavor Health reintroduced mask requirements following the state health department’s suggestion. Other states like Wisconsin, North Carolina, Delaware, and Washington have also reenforced mask mandates in various healthcare settings.
Rising Concerns Amid Lower COVID-19 Case Numbers
Despite the rise in mask mandates, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations seems smaller compared to the previous year, as per historical CDC data, indicating around 34,800 hospitalizations by the end of December 30, 2023.
