Some South Jersey hospitals bring back mask rules as flu, RSV, COVID on rise

Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post

At least two South Jersey hospitals are requiring face masks as a measure against spreading respiratory viruses that reportedly are showing up in greater numbers recently in the region.

A brief Facebook post Thursday from Inspira Health Network states a must-mask policy change for all visitors to its facilities as of Jan. 4. The hospital, which did not cite a specific virus, is providing “medical grade” covers to visitors.

Cooper University Health Care cited COVID spikes in announcing masking as effective Friday, Jan. 5 at its hospital as well as for visitors and patients at its ambulatory locations and the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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Mask mandates at Cooper, Inspira

"Beginning today, January 5, Cooper is requiring team members and visitors to wear masks only when they are patient-facing in a patient or exam room," hospital spokeswoman Wendy Marano told the Courier-Post on Friday. "This change is based upon the increasing number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties. As the numbers go down, the policy will be relaxed."

Marano said most cases Cooper is seeing are from COVID.

"But a variety of respiratory illnesses including Influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are prevalent right now," Marano said. "It’s not specifically for RSV."

Inspira notes all respiratory illnesses are up.

There are many kinds of respiratory viruses. One article in the Encyclopedia of Virology puts the number at more than 200, including influenza and RSV. Most respiratory viruses only cause mild colds and sore throats, but some can be more concerning for the very young and old.

CDC data from Dec. 29 puts New Jersey at a level 11, or very high ranking, for respiratory illness activity levels, with flu, COVID and RSV contributing to spikes in emergency room visits.

Recently, attention has been drawn to public health agencies tracking RSV cases. The Centers for Disease Control states most people recover from RSV in about a week, although symptoms can be more severe for infants and older people.

“New Jersey hospitals are seeing significant jumps in cases of flu, COVID and RSV — as anticipated following holiday gatherings and travel," N.J. Hospital Association President Cathy Bennett said. "Depending on local conditions and spread, we’ve seen hospitals from Cape May to Essex take added precautions to protect patients and staff, including requiring visitors to wear face masks."

Bennett added: "Fortunately, this current surge pales compared to the volumes we saw last year, but these added safeguards are likely to become part of our routine as seasonal viruses follow a cyclical pattern each winter. “

Current COVID guidelines and ways to stop flu, RSV spread

The CDC states RSV vaccines are available for people over 60 and for women at certain weeks in their pregnancy. An antibody can be used for newborns, as well.

The CDC recommends simple measures to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID, RSV and flu.

  • Stay home when sick.

  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not hands.

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 second.

  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with others, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.

  • Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.

Access latest tracking: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/Weekly_Respiratory_Report_2023_12_23.pdf

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Support local journalism with a subscription.

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Masks back at hospitals, other health care sites over viruses

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