"U.S. Cities and Hospitals Reinstate Mask Mandates Amid Respiratory Illness Surge"
Chicago-area health care facilities are reinstating mask mandates due to a surge in respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Rush, Cook County Health, and Endeavor Health have implemented policies requiring masks in interactive settings. The increase in flu cases is a particular concern, with flu patients in ICUs doubling and emergency room visits for flu doubling in late December. The Illinois Department of Public Health has recommended increased virus mitigation efforts in health care settings, and vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV are being promoted as key tools to prevent severe infections and hospitalizations.