Face mask mandates have started to slowly be implemented in hospitals across the United States after cases of four types of viral infections, namely the flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus, have increased in what experts are calling a ‘quad-demic’, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Cases of these four types of infections have reached around 15 million, with 30 000 deaths being recorded so far.
Two institutions, Duke Health in North Carolina and Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts, have responded to the outbreak by updating their masking and visitor guidelines, as reported by The Daily Mail.
In addition, hospitals in eight states have required mask wearing indoors. This includes Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey and New York.
These implementations followed growing fears about a viral outbreak in China that reportedly overwhelmed hospitals in northern provinces.
Mass General, which comprises of 12 hospitals and clinics scattered throughout the state of Massachusetts, escalated its respiratory virus activity status to ‘high’.
Currently, clinicians and hospital staff have been required to wear masks in patient areas, while patients and visitors have been strongly advised to wear a face mask.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, Duke Health hospitals and clinics stated that due to increased respiratory illness in their communities, they have updated their visitation restrictions.
This was after they consulted with their ‘Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention experts’.
With numerous locations across the state and surrounding areas, Duke Health has recommended masking in areas for patients.
Additionally, masking has been required in ‘select patient care areas based on their medical condition’.
Visitor guidelines have been updated on a ‘unit-by-unit basis’, and there is a requirement for ‘full personal protective equipment’ for patients that have been classified as vulnerable.
In the state of Wisconsin, it was confirmed by the Aurora Health Care system that they will institute a mandate regarding masks for patients and individuals in ‘congregate areas’, starting next week.
This is according to a spokesperson for the Aurora Health Care system in an interview with WISN12, a local news outlet.
RWJ Barnabas Health, New Jersey’s largest hospital system, has also reinstated a mask mandate, saying that all visitors should wear a face mask and ‘maintain physical distance’.
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