Hospitals reinforce mask requirements due to rising respiratory illness numbers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Lifespan and Care New England shared that they have reinstated the mask mandate in their hospitals due to a spike in numbers regarding respiratory illnesses.

The CDC reported that there have been over 29,000 COVID-19 hospital admissions in the last week, and an additional 15,000 linked to the flu.

To reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, Lifespan said they are requiring staff to wear a Level 2 surgical mask or N95 in their hospitals and medical offices.

Visitors are required to wear a mask inside patients’ rooms, exam rooms, and waiting areas.

Care New England said, “Due to a rise in respiratory illness cases across the state of Rhode Island, masking is required in clinical care areas at Care New England hospitals.”

The CDC advises that you take extra precautionary action during peak cold-and-flu season:

• Wear a mask
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water
• Clean and disinfect surfaces at home, work, and school
• Stay home if you are sick
• Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, especially with a cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever

For information on respiratory illnesses, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health websites.