NEW YORK: Hospitals across several U.S. states are reinstating mask mandates in response to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus—a convergence some experts are referring to as a potential "quad-demic."
New Jersey's response
RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey's largest hospital system serving approximately 3 million patients annually, has reintroduced mask recommendations for all staff, patients, and visitors, despite the state's current low COVID-19 infection rate. The system announced that masks would be provided to everyone entering their facilities and encouraged individuals to replace personal masks with hospital-supplied ones. Visitors are also required to sanitize their hands upon entry.
California's measures
In California, several counties in the San Francisco Bay Area have reinstated mask mandates in healthcare settings. For instance, Sonoma County issued an order effective from November 18, 2024, through April 30, 2025, requiring healthcare personnel to wear masks in patient care areas to mitigate the spread of respiratory viruses.
New York's actions
Hospitals in New York, including those in Nassau and Suffolk counties, are urging patients, staff, and visitors to wear masks indoors and to receive vaccinations against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Health officials have noted a decline in vaccination rates, with flu vaccination coverage in these counties reported at just under 22%, compared to the national average of 39%. This decline has raised concerns among healthcare providers about increased vulnerability to respiratory illnesses.
Trends and expert warnings
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that while COVID-19 activity remains low, there is a slight uptick in infections. Approximately 5.4% of COVID-19 tests were positive in the week ending December 7, up from 4% in early November. Hospitalizations for flu-like illnesses have also risen, with 3.3% of all hospital admissions attributed to such conditions in the week ending December 7, marking a 14% increase from two weeks prior.
Dr. Joe Bresee, an infectious diseases expert and former CDC official, emphasized the inevitability of increased circulation of these viruses in the coming months, potentially leading to concurrent outbreaks. He stated, "We know these viruses are coming. We see them increase every year."
Public health recommendations
In light of these developments, public health experts are advising the public to adhere to preventive measures, including wearing masks in indoor public spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying up to date with vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. These steps are deemed crucial in mitigating the impact of the anticipated surge in respiratory illnesses during the winter season.