It seems that face mask requirements are resurfacing in hospitals throughout the United States as there is increasing worry over what health professionals are referring to as a 'quad-emic.' The number of cases and fatalities have reached approximately 15 million and 30,000, respectively, this winter due to the simultaneous spread of four viral infections: influenza, Covid-19, RSV (resembling a cold), and norovirus.
Duke Health in North Carolina and Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts have recently revised their masking and visitor guidelines, following a viral outbreak that has caused concern in China. This trend is also being seen in hospitals across eight states, including Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York. As part of these changes, Mass General - composed of 12 medical facilities and treating 2.5 million patients - has raised its respiratory virus activity status to 'high'. This means that masks are now mandated for clinicians and hospital staff in patient areas, while patients and visitors are strongly advised to wear them as well. Similarly, Duke Health hospitals and clinics in North Carolina have updated their visitation restrictions after consulting with experts on Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention due to the increase of respiratory illness in the community.
Mass General Brigham, a healthcare system in Massachusetts, recently announced updated masking and visitor guidelines.
The newly released map discloses the reinstatement of face mask mandates in response to concerns about a potential quad-demic. Duke Health is advising masking in patient areas and mandating it for specific patient care zones according to their health status. Furthermore, visitor protocols have been individually revised with certain limitations and a mandatory use of full personal protective gear for high-risk patients.