Illinois Urges Mask Use as Respiratory Infections Surge
TL/DR –
The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued guidelines suggesting the use of masks in certain areas of healthcare facilities, responding to a rise in respiratory infections, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The IDPH encourages all healthcare settings to consider implementing masks, particularly when caring for those with weakened immune systems, following a 20% increase in hospitalizations. Despite it being unclear whether any specific Chicago-area healthcare facilities have reinstated mask policies due to the increase in respiratory illnesses, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra encourages residents to wear masks in crowded places, practice good hand hygiene, and get vaccinated.
Illinois Health Officials Urge Mask Wearing Amid Rising Respiratory Infections
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued a public health advisory on Friday in response to increasing respiratory infections, urging mask usage in particular areas of healthcare facilities. Notably, this call comes in the wake of a significant rise in cases of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
According to Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH Director, both Illinois and the whole country have seen increased incidences of these illnesses. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a 20% surge in reported hospitalizations for the week ending November 25, totaling 1,039.
Furthermore, forty-four of Illinois’s 102 counties, including Kankakee County in the Chicago area, reported increased hospitalization rates. Consequently, the IDPH encourages healthcare settings statewide to consider mask implementation, especially when caring for patients with weakened immune systems.
The CDC recommends universal masking during periods of higher COVID-19 prevalence, either facility-wide, in high-risk areas, or for specific patient populations. Even in situations where facilities do not mandate masks, individuals are advised to continue masking based on their perceived risk of infection and potential for developing severe disease.
It remains unclear whether any Chicago-area healthcare facilities have reinstated mask mandates in response to the increased number of respiratory infections. However, Vohra urges residents to take steps to safeguard their health, including practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded areas, and getting vaccinated for COVID, flu, and RSV if eligible.
He particularly stressed these preventive measures for vulnerable populations, including those over 65, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic medical conditions. He also reminded parents and caregivers about the importance of protecting young children, given the limited pediatric ICU capacity in many areas of Illinois.
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