With two states updating their guidelines this week as parts of the U.S. confront what has been described a "quad-emic," mandatory masking in some circumstances has returned in eight states.
Duke Health in North Carolina and Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts this week updated masking and visitor guidelines. The two additions now bring the total to eight states that are requiring or strongly encouraging masking indoors following Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York.
A quadruple threat of viral infections — including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus — is sweeping the nation, fueling hospitalizations, mask mandates, and heightened public health concerns, the Daily Mail reported.
The increased masking comes after social media reports from China warning of a little-known virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has not been officially declared by health authorities. Similar to COVID-19, HMPV can cause flu-like illness in people of all ages, although some people are more at risk, including young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Mass General, comprised of 12 hospitals and clinics throughout Massachusetts, mandated that all clinicians and hospital staff wear masks in patient areas and "strongly encourage" patients and visitors to do the same.
Duke Health has "strongly recommended" masking in some patients areas and is requiring them in "select patient care areas based on their medical condition," the Daily Mail reported.
According to the CDC, respiratory illness are at "very high" levels in 10 states and "high" in 26 states, noting that while emergency room visits are high for those diagnosed with RSV and flu, they currently are low for COVID-19.
The U.S. is dealing with a surge in respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses as it enters its peak winter flu season. According to official data, flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus are driving significant spikes in infections and hospitalizations. Health experts warn the situation is likely to worsen in the coming weeks.
Norovirus cases have reached their highest December levels since 2012, with more than 90 outbreaks reported in a single week — triple the number recorded two weeks earlier.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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