Major N.J. hospitals reinstated face mask mandate on Dec. 1 as respiratory illnesses increase

New Jersey’s major hospitals reinstated face mask requirements on Dec. 1 in response to an increase in respiratory illnesses. According to N.J. Department of Health’s most recent respiratory illness surveillance report from Nov. 29, the number of emergency department admissions associated with COVID, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have been increasing since the start of fall, similar to admissions rates in 2024, which peaked in February. The report found that most emergency department visits for COVID and the flu were people ages 65+, and RSV were people ages 0-4. The mask mandate is implemented in Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals and RWJ Barnabas Health hospitals. People can also schedule online appointments to receive vaccinations for COVID, flu, and RSV.

From NJ Advance Media.