The United States is witnessing an increased number of flu, COVID-19, RSV (respiratory illness), and norovirus, often referred to as the “Quad Demic.” Infections had been steadily growing over the course of the holiday season, but cases are more at their peak as flu season starts. These increasing cases forced a few states to reinstate mask mandates.
Norovirus cases are at their highest level since 2012, and RSV hospitalizations have increased by nearly 40% in just two weeks. So far, 37,000 flu-related hospitalizations have been reported, with 1,500 deaths. COVID-19 has resulted in 72,000 to 120,000 hospitalizations, including at least 8,200 deaths.
Mask Mandatory in These States:
Several states have reinstated mask mandates as infections rise. The mandates are confined to specific zones in the following states, where the mandates have returned:
- Wisconsin: A hospital in Wisconsin made masks mandatory in the premises of the hospital. Wisconsin becomes the first state to reintroduce mask mandates.
- California: Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties mandate that all healthcare workers continue to wear masks through March 31, 2025.
- Illinois: In a bid to reduce infections, some health systems, including Rush University Medical Center and Endeavor Health, have reinstituted the mask mandates.
- New Jersey: RWJBarnabas Health has reinstated a mask requirement at its 14 medical centers, which it says will mandate masks for its staff, patients, and visitors.
- Indiana: The increase in respiratory infections has compelled multiple hospitals in Indiana to implement mask policies.
- New York City: The mask mandate has been reinstated in every health care facility in New York City to check the spread of respiratory viruses.
