Mask mandate reinstated at NYC hospitals
Mask mandates are returning at all 11 NYC public hospitals amid a rise in flu, COVID, and RSV cases.
Fox - 5 NY
Numerous New Jersey hospitals diverted patients to other emergency rooms on Wednesday as a surge of post-holiday respiratory viruses sickened thousands of people across the state.
Community Medical Center in Toms River, Ocean University Medical Center in Brick and CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold diverted patients for portions of the morning or afternoon due to patient volume on Wednesday, while other hospitals across the state made similar announcements.
"Emergency rooms and hospitals across our whole health system are consistently busy, largely because of the surge in respiratory illnesses," said Dr. Andy Anderson, executive vice president and chief medical and quality officer for RWJBarnabas Health. "Things tend to get a little busier in January after the holidays."
Cases of COVID-19 are rising quickly, and about 10% of the patients in RWJBarnabas hospitals are in critical care beds, Anderson said. Cases requiring hospitalization have tripled over the past few months, he said.
As of Jan. 2, New Jersey hospitals had 137 patients with COVID-19 in intensive care and 1,380 patients with the virus in hospitals, according to the state Department of Health.
Most of the RWJBarnabas patients who are in critical care with COVID-19 were not fully vaccinated against the virus, Anderson said.
Flu viruses and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, are also circulating and filling emergency rooms, Anderson said. New Jersey Department of Health records showed flu cases rising through December with more than 5,600 positive flu tests reported during the week ending Dec. 30.
Anderson urged everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. He also urged RSV vaccination for those who are eligible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends RSV vaccines for people 60 and older and pregnant women.
Symptoms of the viruses are often similar: runny nose, cough, decreased appetite and fever. While COVID-19 is typically the most dangerous for older adults and people with chronic medical conditions, RSV can be more serious for older adults as well as infants and young children, according to the CDC.
RSV, like COVID-19, can cause wheezing and breathing difficulties.
The viruses can spread through coughs, sneezes, contaminated surfaces and close proximity to an infected person.
"Stay home if you're sick and don't expose others, especially the elderly," said Anderson. "Wearing masks is important… particularly in crowded areas. So if you're in a movie theater, or if you're in a crowded area, I would recommend wearing a mask to protect yourself. It also helps to protect others in case you're starting to get sick."
People at high risk for more serious cases, like older adults and people who are immunocompromised, should be tested for flu and COVID-19 since treatments are available to prevent severe illness, Anderson said. Those treatments are most effective when given early, he added.
As the three respiratory viruses surge across the state, hospitals are taking preventative action. In mid-December, RWJBarnabas reimplemented mask requirements for staff who interact with patients, people in outpatient settings and visitors.
Last week, Hackensack Meridian Health took similar steps and required all staff, patients and visitors to wear masks during interactions at its hospitals, doctors offices and rehabilitation centers. The hospital system's administrators cited COVID-19 prevalence in determining when the mask requirement would be changed.
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than a decade. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, [email protected] or 732-557-5701.
