PITTSBURGH — UPMC announced via social media Monday that starting Wednesday, masking at all hospitals and outpatient areas is mandatory.
From RSV to the flu, to COVID-19, respiratory illnesses and the rate at which they’re infecting people have taken center stage.
“We keep hearing about things called the tripledemic because we have these three pretty nasty viruses that can all cause significant disease and lead to hospitalization,” said Doctor Todd Wolynn.
Wolynn says the viruses tend to hit the elderly, immunocompromised and kids under the age of one the hardest.
“While weather is cold we are all close indoors in closed environments - oftentimes air circulation isn’t the best that’s what drives up a lot of those increased infection rates is what we’re seeing,” he said.
UPMC says it closely monitors the spread of respiratory illness in healthcare settings, and is why the healthcare provider decided to make masking mandatory again.
“To protect the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors, everyone in our health care facilities will wear effective masks, which reduce transmission of respiratory viruses in health care settings. We will continue to monitor the number of cases in our communities and adjust as the situation evolves,” UPMC’s statement said.
“I know a lot of people are like I’m done with this I’m done with masking I’m done with vaccinating, but this virus doesn’t care about your beliefs,” Wolynn said.
Wolynn says along with staying home when you’re sick, layering these preventative measures will help overall effectiveness.
“Masking with any respiratory infection can help reduce the transmission and infections. Nothing’s 100% perfect but when you can vaccinate when you can, and mask when you can. Those layers on top of each other reduce the chance for infection,” he said.
Allegheny Health Network says it hasn’t issued a mask mandate but that they are strongly encouraged in AHN facilities.
For the latest on masking at UPMC, you can call 833-390-9489.
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