Amidst a rising tide of overlapping health threats, eight US states reintroduce mask mandates in a bid to curb multiple virus outbreaks this winter.
At a Glance
- Mask mandates return in eight states due to flu, COVID, RSV, and norovirus.
- Approximately 15 million cases and 30,000 deaths reported this winter.
- CDC reports high levels of respiratory illness activity.
- Duke Health and Mass General Brigham update mask guidelines.
Mandates in Health Facilities
As concerns over a ‘quad-emic’ of flu, COVID, RSV, and norovirus (stomach flu) grow, hospitals nationwide have begun reinstating mask mandates. North Carolina, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York are among those states urging mask-wearing indoors. The widespread surge in viral infections has resulted in about 15 million cases and 30,000 deaths this winter.
Mass General Brigham has escalated its respiratory virus activity status to ‘high,’ requiring masks for clinicians and hospital staff within patient areas. Duke Health and other major institutions have updated visitation guidelines, emphasizing mask usage to mitigate increasing respiratory illnesses.
Wider Health Concerns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports high levels of respiratory illness, with COVID leading, followed by flu and RSV. Health facilities like Wisconsin’s Aurora Health Care and New Jersey’s RWJBarnabas Health have reinstated mask protocols. California counties also mandate mask usage for healthcare workers.
Emergency department visits for flu and RSV have surged, with norovirus cases reaching their highest level since 2012. This rise is attributed to increased social activities post-holidays and weakened immunity following COVID lockdowns.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Experts predict that infections will peak in January or early February, varying by region. The CDC strongly recommends vaccinations for flu, COVID, and RSV, alongside preventive practices such as hand hygiene and mask-wearing in congested places.
The flu season typically spans from December to February, necessitating public awareness and adherence to health guidelines to prevent further strain on the healthcare system. Rising infections fuel discussions about the importance of community-focused preventive actions to protect collective health.
Sources:
- Face mask mandates make a comeback in eight US states amid fears of quad-demic
- Face mask mandates return in multiple states as doctors warn of ‘quad-demic’ of four viral infections | Daily Mail Online
- Mask Mandates Return in Eight States Amid ‘Quad-Demic’ Concerns – [your]NEWS
- 8 States Now Requiring Masks in Certain Settings | Newsmax.com
