Mask mandates are making a comeback in several U.S. states, driven by a spike in respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey are among the states reintroducing mask mandates in healthcare facilities to combat rising case numbers.
This resurgence of illness, including the spread of new COVID-19 variants like XEC, has sparked significant concern. The CDC reported a 12.7% increase in COVID-19 cases by December 23, 2024, prompting renewed restrictions and preventive measures in hospitals.
Massachusetts’ largest health system, Mass General Brigham, now requires masks for staff interacting with patients, aiming for a threshold of under 2.85% of patients affected by respiratory illness. Similarly, hospitals across New York and its surrounding counties, including Suffolk and Nassau, have reinstated mask mandates after Thanksgiving’s uptick.
Illinois is advising healthcare facilities to implement broader mitigation efforts, including widespread masking, due to higher transmission rates of COVID-19, RSV, and flu. This move is to safeguard both workers and vulnerable patients.
In New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health has imposed a mask mandate for all hospital staff, patients, and visitors starting January 6, 2025, responding to a rapid surge in respiratory infections. In California, counties like Alameda and Napa have enacted similar measures to protect patients from December through March, focusing on healthcare workers in patient areas.
The return of these mandates highlights growing concerns about public health as multiple respiratory viruses rise, impacting hospitals and healthcare services nationwide.
Sources:
https://www.newsweek.com/maps-mask-mandates-returning-new-york-jersey-california-2004297
https://www.newsweek.com/mask-mandates-return-list-places-restrictions-1823069
https://www.newsweek.com/conservative-argument-coronavirus-masks-opinion-1513977
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