As the number of respiratory illnesses continues to rise, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued guidance urging the use of masks in certain areas of health care facilities. This is in response to the recent increase in cases of COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which has led to a 20% increase in hospitalizations in the state.
The IDPH is encouraging all health care settings in Illinois to consider implementing masks in patient care areas, especially if caring for those with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends universal masking during periods of higher levels of COVID-19, either facility-wide, for higher risk areas, or for certain patient populations.
Even when masks are not required by a facility, individuals should still use a mask or respirator based on their own personal preference and risk level. It is unclear if any specific Chicago-area health care facilities have reinstated mask policies due to the rise in respiratory illnesses.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, the director of the IDPH, has urged residents to take certain steps to keep their families healthy and protected. This includes wearing masks in crowded places, practicing good hand hygiene, and getting the COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines if eligible. He also emphasized the importance of protecting young children, given the limited pediatric ICU capacity in many areas of the state.
Masks are an important tool in the fight against respiratory illnesses, and the IDPH’s guidance is a step in the right direction. Wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from the spread of respiratory illnesses. It is also important to practice good hand hygiene and get the necessary vaccines if eligible.
By following the IDPH’s guidance and taking the necessary precautions, we can help protect ourselves and our communities from the spread of respiratory illnesses. It is important to remember that we are all in this together, and that we must work together to keep our families and communities safe.
