Illinois Hospitals Reinstate Mask Mandates Amid Respiratory Illness Spike

Multiple health systems across Illinois are reintroducing mask mandates as they face a significant increase in respiratory infections. This decision comes in response to rising COVID-19 cases, influenza, and RSV, affecting the overall public health landscape.

Rush University Medical Center has implemented strict masking protocols. The hospital announced, ‘Effective Dec. 2, 2024, patients and visitors must wear hospital-approved masks in clinical offices, waiting areas, and patient registration areas.’ This policy aims to curb the spread of respiratory viruses during a peak season.

All facilities within the Rush health system, including Rush Copley Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital, will enforce this mask mandate. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria is set to begin similar measures on Tuesday, citing, ‘widespread respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.’ The facility is also limiting visitation to two adult visitors per patient to enhance safety.

Endeavor Health is requiring masks for patients and visitors displaying respiratory symptoms, reflecting the ongoing viral transmission in the region. University of Chicago Medicine has mandated that staff wear masks during all patient-facing roles.

This rise in respiratory illnesses is alarming. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently reported a jump in emergency room visits for respiratory conditions from 13.8% to 14.7% within just one week, alongside an increase in ICU admissions for RSV among young children.

Experts like Dr. Whitney Lyn, a family medicine physician with Cook County Health, emphasized the urgency of vaccination. She stated, ‘It’s really, really important to consider getting vaccines to decrease your chances of becoming seriously ill.’ According to Dr. Lyn, the majority of these respiratory viruses have vaccines that can mitigate symptoms or prevent illness altogether.

Dr. Lyn urged, ‘If you’re having that cough, that sneezing, please wear a mask because you don’t know what you have.’ This advice is particularly pertinent for individuals around those who are elderly or immunocompromised, as pathogens can exacerbate existing health issues.

In summary, with respiratory infections on the rise, Illinois hospitals are taking proactive steps to ensure patient safety. Wearing masks and getting vaccinated are critical actions recommended by health officials to navigate this winter season.