Mask Mandates Return as COVID-19 Cases Surge

Several hospital systems and hospitals in the United States have reinstated mask mandates for patients and staff due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 21.6% increase in COVID-related hospitalizations and a 21.4% increase in deaths. Hospital systems such as United Health Services in New York, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center in California, Auburn Community Hospital in New York, and University Hospital in Syracuse, New York, have all implemented mask-wearing requirements. Some experts argue that masks should only be considered for high-risk settings and that proper mask usage is crucial for effectiveness.