Title: Chicago-Area Hospitals Reinstate Mask Policies as Respiratory Illnesses Surge
In response to a surge in respiratory viruses and new recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), several hospital systems in the Chicago area have reinstated mask policies. With at least four health systems comprising over 20 hospitals, countless medical offices, and urgent care facilities, implementing partial or complete mask mandates, protecting the public from viral illnesses has become a top priority.
The decision to reinstate mask policies stems from an increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the IDPH issued guidance in December, urging healthcare facilities to enforce mask policies, particularly in patient care areas, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems.
To address the specific concerns related to respiratory virus transmission and hospitalizations, the IDPH recommends masking in patient care areas, particularly emergency departments and units catering to immunocompromised patients. Ten counties in Illinois were recently classified as high-risk for COVID-19 hospitalizations, further underscoring the need for proactive measures.
Endeavor Health, which manages several suburban hospitals, has revised its masking policy to require patients and visitors to wear masks if they experience any respiratory symptoms. In the same vein, Cook County Health locations, including Stroger Hospital and Provident Hospital, have mandated masks in waiting rooms and exam rooms for all staff, patients, and visitors aged 2 and above.
Advocate Health Care has enforced a limited-visitor policy and mandates masks in high-risk patient care areas, while leaving them optional in other areas. Similarly, Silver Cross Hospital has updated its visitor policy due to the rising prevalence of respiratory illnesses in the community, now requiring patients with respiratory symptoms to wear masks in emergency departments and urgent care centers.
Other health systems in the Chicago area, such as Ascension and OSF Health Care, have followed suit and now require masks in their respective hospitals.
These measures are aimed at curbing the spread of respiratory viruses not only within healthcare settings but also in the community at large. By reinstating mask policies, hospitals are taking a proactive approach to protect vulnerable patients and healthcare workers, while also reducing the burden on the already strained healthcare system.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant, adhere to mask mandates, practice good hand hygiene, and follow the guidance of healthcare professionals to minimize the risk of respiratory illnesses.
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