Mask Mandates Are Back In Eight States – More Coming?

Eight U.S. states reinstate mask mandates as a ‘quad-emic’ of respiratory illnesses surges across the nation.

At a Glance

  • Hospitals in eight states are requiring or strongly urging mask-wearing indoors due to a surge in respiratory illnesses
  • The ‘quad-emic’ includes flu, Covid-19, RSV, and norovirus, resulting in approximately 15 million cases and 30,000 deaths this winter
  • Health officials recommend vaccinations, hand hygiene, and staying home when sick to combat rising infections
  • Emergency department visits for flu and RSV are very high and increasing, while Covid-19 visits are low but rising

States Respond to ‘Quad-emic’ Threat

As the United States grapples with a surge in respiratory illnesses, eight states have taken decisive action by reinstating mask mandates in healthcare settings. This move comes in response to what health experts are calling a ‘quad-emic’ – a simultaneous outbreak of four major infectious diseases: flu, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus.

Hospitals in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York are at the forefront of this preventive measure. These institutions are either requiring or strongly recommending mask-wearing indoors, signaling a return to practices reminiscent of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Impact of the ‘Quad-emic’

The current health crisis has had a significant impact on public health. According to recent data, the combination of these four viral infections has resulted in approximately 15 million cases and 30,000 deaths this winter alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports high levels of respiratory illness activity across the country, with Covid-19 leading the pack, followed closely by flu and RSV.

“What we are seeing now is an increasing amount of respiratory disease and norovirus that is really all over the US. It is what we see most years and we will probably see increasing amounts over the next few weeks as well,” Dr. Joe Bresee said.

The situation is particularly concerning in emergency departments, where visits for flu and RSV are very high and increasing. While Covid-19 visits are currently low, they are also on an upward trend. Adding to the health officials’ worries is the norovirus outbreak, which has reached its highest level for this time of year since 2012.

In response to the escalating health crisis, major healthcare systems across the affected states are updating their policies. Duke Health Hospitals and Clinics announced, “Due to increased respiratory illness in our communities, we are updating our visitation restrictions after consultation with our Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention experts.”

Similarly, New Jersey’s largest hospital system, RWJBarnabas Health, has implemented strict measures, stating that “all visitors are expected to wear a face mask and ‘maintain physical distance’.” The system is taking an active role in ensuring compliance, adding, “We will offer you a new mask for source control or may ask you to replace your own mask with a hospital-supplied mask.”

Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts has escalated its respiratory virus activity status to ‘high,’ mandating masks for clinicians and hospital staff in patient areas. These actions underscore the seriousness with which healthcare providers are treating the current situation.

Prevention and Recommendations

Health officials are emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to combat the rising infections. The CDC advises annual flu vaccinations and staying updated on Covid and RSV vaccines. Additionally, basic hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and staying home when sick are strongly recommended.

However, vaccination rates remain a concern. Only 21 percent of adults and 10.6 percent of children have received the updated Covid-19 vaccine, while flu vaccination rates hover around 40 percent. These low rates could potentially exacerbate the spread of these respiratory illnesses.

But does this justify draconian laws? After 2020, Americans resoundingly say NO.

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