"Mask Mandates Reinstated in Hospitals Amid Rising Flu and COVID-19 Cases"
Amid a surge in COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses, Long Island hospitals are recommending, but not mandating, masks for staff and visitors, contrasting with New York City's public hospitals which have imposed a mask mandate. Despite the rise in hospitalizations, Long Island's figures remain below the peaks of January 2023 and 2022. Experts, including those from Johns Hopkins University, advocate for mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients, especially during high levels of respiratory viruses. Health officials encourage vaccinations and mask-wearing as effective measures to prevent the spread of these illnesses.