Several Chicago-area hospital systems have reinstated mask policies following a rise in cases of the respiratory virus and new recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
At least four health systems, including more than 20 hospitals and numerous clinics and urgent care facilities, have implemented partial or full mask mandates due to the rise in COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections. ing.
The policy change follows guidance issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health in early December urging people to wear masks inside health care facilities. Due to the rise in respiratory illnesses, IDPH encouraged health care facilities across the state to implement mask policies in patient treatment areas, especially when caring for immunocompromised and symptomatic patients.
“As we see an alarming increase in respiratory viruses across the state and nation, IDPH urges health care facilities to take precautions to reduce the spread of these viruses and protect patients, staff, and visitors. “We recommend this,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Bohra. news release. “We are most concerned about health care facilities in the county, where respiratory virus infections and hospitalization levels are rising, and are recommending that masks be worn in patient care areas, particularly in emergency departments and areas of care for immunocompromised patients. I am.”
Ten Illinois counties had high levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations over the past week and the week before that, according to the latest publicly available data.
In line with IDPH guidance, newly formed Endeavor Health, which operates numerous suburban hospitals, updated its mask-wearing policy on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Under the revised policy, both patients and visitors will be required to wear a mask if they develop any symptoms. Respiratory symptoms. The health system is strongly requiring patients in certain high-risk areas to wear masks, adding that people visiting patients in high-risk areas may also be required to wear masks.
Endeavor Health is comprised of NorthShore University HealthSystem, Northwest Community Healthcare, Swedish Hospital, and Edward-Elmhurst Health.
A mask mandate also went into effect Tuesday at Cook County health facilities, including Stroger Hospital and Provident Hospital, due to an increase in respiratory illnesses. Masks are required in waiting rooms and exam rooms for all staff, patients, and visitors over the age of 2.
Advocate Healthcare, which operates 11 hospitals in the Chicago area, recently implemented a policy restricting visitors, a measure aimed at protecting patients and staff from the seasonal virus, according to its website. The policy requires visitors to wear masks in high-risk patient care areas, including patient rooms and other designated areas. Masks are optional in other areas.
Silver Cross Hospital in south suburban New Lenox updated its visitor policy on Dec. 20, citing “an increase in respiratory illness in the community.” The hospital said patients who test positive for respiratory symptoms are required to wear masks in the emergency departments in New Lenox and Homer Glen, and in the emergency centers in New Lenox and Mokena.
Other local health systems are also requiring masks, including Ascension, which operates Alexian Brothers Hospital in Hoffman Estates and St. Joseph's Hospital in Joliet, and OSF Health Care, the parent organization of Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park. It is mandatory.
