Tag

Maskmandate

All articles tagged with #maskmandate

health-policy2 years ago

"St. Louis Reverses Course on Mask Mandate for City Employees Amid Fluctuating Respiratory Illness Rates"

St. Louis city officials rescinded a mask mandate for city workers shortly after its implementation due to pressure from Missouri Governor Mike Parson's office, who has consistently opposed such mandates. The initial decision for the mandate was based on a rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, RSV, and flu cases, but was met with skepticism due to conflicting data and public reception. The city now "strongly recommends" masking indoors rather than enforcing a mandate.

health2 years ago

"St. Louis Reverses Mask Mandate for City Employees Amid Surging Illness Cases"

St. Louis City briefly implemented a mask mandate for city employees due to a significant increase in respiratory illnesses, including a 455% rise in flu cases and higher COVID hospitalizations, before quickly changing the policy to a strong recommendation instead of a mandate. Health officials, noting milder cases of illness, continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations, distancing, and mask-wearing to prevent the spread of diseases. St. Louis County has reinstated a mask mandate for healthcare workers in direct contact with patients and is monitoring the situation for potential policy changes.

health-and-science2 years ago

"St. Louis Revises Mask Policy Amid Fluctuating COVID and Flu Case Trends"

St. Louis has joined Los Angeles, New York City, and other regions in reinstating mask mandates for city employees, citing rising flu cases, RSV positive tests, and COVID hospitalizations. However, the article criticizes the decision as politically driven and not based on scientific evidence, referencing a Cochrane Library review that found no substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of masks in preventing respiratory viruses. The author argues that local data from St. Louis does not support the efficacy of mask mandates, suggesting that the policy is a result of ideological beliefs rather than scientific findings.

health2 years ago

"St. Louis Mandates Masks for City Employees Amid Flu and COVID Surge"

St. Louis City Hall has reinstated an indoor mask mandate for city workers in response to a surge in flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases, aiming to reduce transmission and protect hospital systems. The health department's recommendation for universal masking exceeds CDC guidelines for areas with "medium" risk, like St. Louis. The move has sparked criticism from conservative media figures, with some hoping for state intervention against the mandate.

health2 years ago

"Mask Mandates Reinstated in Hospitals Nationwide Amid Rising Flu and COVID-19 Cases"

Main Line Health has reinstated mask requirements at all its facilities in response to a rise in COVID cases and other respiratory viruses in the Philadelphia region. The decision, influenced by national and local data, comes as the health system sees an increase in severely ill COVID patients, some requiring ICU admission. The mask mandate aims to create a "protective barrier" for staff and patients and will be re-evaluated after two weeks. Health officials encourage vaccination and the use of medications like Paxlovid for those at risk, while not currently considering a public mask mandate.

health2 years ago

"Mask Mandates Reinstated in Hospitals Nationwide Amid Rising COVID and Flu Cases"

Main Line Health in southeastern Pennsylvania is reinstating a mask mandate across all its facilities due to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The policy, effective from January 4, requires masks in clinical and common areas and will last for at least two weeks, with the possibility of extension if cases remain high. The decision follows increased patient admissions for respiratory issues, CDC data, and local wastewater analysis indicating a post-holiday spike in illnesses.

health2 years ago

"Hospitals Reinstate Mask Mandates Amid Surge in COVID and Flu Cases Nationwide"

New York City has reinstated mask mandates in all 11 of its public hospitals and health facilities due to a rise in COVID and flu cases. The mandate, which aims to protect patients, staff, and the community, comes amidst a significant increase in hospitalizations and a very high level of flu activity, as reported by the CDC. Health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures to avoid illness and staffing shortages experienced during previous surges.

health2 years ago

"Mask Mandates Reinstated in Hospitals Across NYC and Massachusetts Amid Respiratory Illness Surge"

New York City's public hospital system has reinstated mask mandates due to a spike in COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. The mandate, effective just after Christmas, applies to all individuals entering NYC Health + Hospitals facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and nursing homes. The decision comes as the city experiences a "very high" level of respiratory illness, with the hardest-hit areas being East New York, Mott Haven/Port Morris, and Silver Lake/St. George. While private hospital systems have not yet implemented similar mandates, the low uptake of the bivalent booster shot, with only 18% of New Yorkers having received it, may be contributing to the increase in cases.

health2 years ago

"Mask Mandates Reinstated in NYC and Massachusetts Hospitals Amid Respiratory Illness Surge"

New York City public hospitals have reinstated indoor mask mandates in patient treatment areas due to a rise in respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and the flu. The mandate affects all facilities run by NYC Health + Hospitals. Despite a recent increase in respiratory illnesses, hospitals are not currently overwhelmed. The move aligns with similar precautions taken by hospitals in at least six other states as respiratory infections continue to rise across the country.

health-and-fitness2 years ago

"Mask Mandates Reinstated Across Major US Cities Amid Surge in Respiratory Illnesses"

New York City has reinstated a mask mandate in all 11 public hospitals, health clinics, and nursing homes managed by NYC Health + Hospitals due to a surge in cases of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan emphasized the measure is to protect both patients and staff as the city experiences increased levels of respiratory illnesses. The health officials advise those feeling unwell to stay home to prevent further spread.

health2 years ago

"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.

health2 years ago

"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.

health2 years ago

"BHS Updates Health Protocols with Renewed Mask Mandate and Visitor Rules"

Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has reinstated mandatory masking for staff, patients, and visitors due to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. The new policy, which also includes updated visitation guidelines, affects various BHS facilities and will commence on January 3. This decision follows a period of relaxed measures after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May. Regular reviews of these guidelines are planned to ensure community safety.

health2 years ago

"Mask Mandates Reemerge in Healthcare Facilities Across Major US Cities"

UMass Memorial Medical Center is reinstating a mask mandate for employees and strongly encouraging masks for visitors due to rising respiratory illness rates, including COVID-19. The policy, starting Tuesday, will be in place for about a month and reassessed based on illness trends. This move aligns with other Massachusetts hospitals like Beth Israel Lahey and Mass General Brigham, which are also bringing back mask requirements.