Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
In response to a rise in respiratory infections, the Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday issued guidance encouraging people to wear masks in certain areas of health care facilities.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Bohra said in a news release that, as expected, Illinois and the nation have recently seen an increase in cases of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. He said he is doing so. A total of 1,039 hospitalizations were reported in the week ending Nov. 25, an increase of 20% from the previous week, according to the latest data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The data showed hospitalizations were at high levels in 44 of Illinois' 102 counties, including Kankakee County in the Chicago area.
IDPH says due to the increase in respiratory illnesses, IDPH will consider requiring masks for all health care settings in the state in patient care areas, especially when caring for immunocompromised and symptomatic individuals. He says he is encouraging them to do so. Based on CDC recommendations, universal masking should be considered for the entire facility, high-risk areas, or specific patient populations during periods of elevated levels of COVID-19 infection.
According to the CDC, even if a facility does not require masks, individuals may continue to use a mask or respirator based on their personal preferences, depending on their level of risk of infection based on recent activity and likelihood of severe illness. He says it should be done.
It's unclear whether specific medical facilities in the Chicago area have reinstated mask policies because of the rise in respiratory illnesses.
Vohra urged residents to take steps to protect the health and protection of their families, including wearing masks in crowded places, practicing good hand hygiene and getting vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus if eligible. He called for certain measures to be taken.
“These tools are especially important for those at highest risk of serious illness, such as those over 65, those with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic medical conditions…” in part he said. “And parents and caregivers, please protect your young children as pediatric ICU capacity is limited in many parts of the state.”
