from Your News:
A resurgence of masking guidelines across eight states reflects growing public health measures as multiple viral infections surge nationwide.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Mandatory masking has returned in certain settings across eight states, as North Carolina and Massachusetts recently joined the list in response to what health experts are calling a “quad-demic.” This quadruple threat includes influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus, which together are allegedly driving increased hospitalizations and public health precautions.
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Duke Health in North Carolina and Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts updated their masking and visitor policies this week, aligning with measures already implemented in Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York. Mass General, a network of 12 hospitals and clinics, mandated mask use among clinicians and staff in patient areas and strongly encouraged masking for patients and visitors. Duke Health also reinstated masking requirements in select patient care areas based on medical conditions, while strongly recommending it in others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported “very high” levels of respiratory illness activity in 10 states and “high” levels in 26 states. Emergency room visits remain elevated for flu and RSV, though COVID-19-related visits are currently low.
Norovirus cases have reportedly surged to their highest December levels since 2012, with over 90 outbreaks reported in a single week — triple the number recorded just two weeks prior.
Social media reports from China have also raised alarm about a virus known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has yet to be officially recognized by health authorities. Similar to COVID-19, HMPV can cause flu-like symptoms and poses significant risks to vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health experts claim that the combination of multiple viral outbreaks could strain healthcare systems as the country enters the peak of the winter flu season, and thus States are emphasizing preventive measures, with masking once again being touted as playing a critical role in mitigating the spread of illness.
