Flu season is back after being on a COVID hiatus during the pandemic and, with it, mask mandates in various health care facilities such as hospitals have also made a comeback.

According to Reuters, hospitals in California, New York, Illinois and Massachusetts have instituted mask mandates for patients and providers, both. In New York City alone, the new rules affect 11 public hospitals, 30 health centers and five long-term facilities.

Two health systems in the Chicago area have implemented mask mandates; all licensed health care systems in Los Angeles County and one health system in Massachusetts are affected so far.

SOURCE:

Reuters January 4, 2024