Masking returns to area hospitals, health centers with rise in COVID-19 and other viruses, but requirements not universal

A spike in COVID-19, flu and RSV cases is bringing back a familiar sight in regional hospitals and healthcare facilities — masks.

But unlike universal masking policies during the pandemic, there’s a range of protocols on tap.

Endeavor Health, which includes Edward and Northwest Community hospitals, began requiring patients and visitors experiencing respiratory virus symptoms to wear masks in late December.

“We strongly recommend patients to mask when they are seeking care in high-risk areas, and other individuals to mask when they are visiting patients in high-risk areas,” such as emergency departments and Intensive Care Units, Endeavor spokesman Keith Hartenberger said.

In November, Edward Hospital was admitting between 15 and 20 COVID-19 patients a week, said Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, medical director of infection control and prevention.

Currently those numbers are in the 40s, he noted.

“We’re just seeing a lot more people in the hospital with different viruses ... whether it’s COVID, RSV or influenza, and we know there’s a lot more more employees that are getting sick with these viruses. We just wanted to add an extra layer of protection to the patients we’re seeing just to ensure we’re minimizing any risk,” Pinsky said.

At Advocate Health Care, “we require visitors to wear masks when in contact with high-risk patients or in congregate areas, including patient rooms and other areas designated by signage,” officials said.

And, to combat the spread of COVID-19, flu and RSV, Ascension Illinois has “reinstated universal masking in high-risk areas, including the emergency department and ICU,” spokesman Timothy Nelson said.

In addition, Ascension expanded admission testing for people who are asymptomatic and requires individuals with symptoms of illness to visit virtually.

At Northwestern Medicine locations, Chris King, media relations chief, said there have been no changes to the masking policy.

“We do require masks in certain clinical areas: for patients who have symptoms of a respiratory virus, and in a patient’s room, if requested or if staff requires it.”

The state relaxed rules requiring masks at health care facilities in October 2022, and the pandemic public health emergency ended in May 2023.

But in December, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommended hospitals implement widespread masking in counties with high levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations, citing rising cases of the three viruses.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control Tuesday recorded medium levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry and Will counties, and low levels in Kane.

There’s one easy way to reduce sickness, and that’s getting a COVID-19 or flu vaccine, Pinsky noted, adding it’s still a good time for a shot.

“Protection from COVID or flu vaccines is very strong in the first three months and then it diminishes a bit so you can get strong protection from that now if you get it.“

Meanwhile, at Duly Health and Care’s medical offices across the region, “we are wearing masks where clinically appropriate and encourage patients and staff to do so if it is their preference,” spokeswoman Maria McGowan said.

“We do not currently mandate masking across all of our facilities.”