"Resurgence of Respiratory Illnesses Triggers Return of Mask Mandates in U.S. Hospitals"
Several hospitals in the Chicago area, including Rush Medical Center and its affiliates, are reinstating mask mandates due to a rise in respiratory infections, including COVID-19 and the flu. These mandates affect patients, staff, and visitors and come after most hospitals had relaxed their masking policies following the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency. The region is currently at a "medium risk level" for transmission.