Payam Javan: Hospitals across the United States are reintroducing mask mandates in response to a surge in COVID-19 and influenza cases.

New York City’s 11 public hospitals initiated a mask mandate last week, following similar measures at hospitals in other locations. The New York City Health Department confirmed the requirement for all 11 hospitals under the city’s Health and Hospitals division.

In Chicago, Rush University medical system and Cook County Health have implemented mask mandates in specific areas of their campuses, following a recommendation from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Berkshire Health Systems in Massachusetts and TidalHealth in Delaware have also reinstated mandatory masking.

Additionally, Los Angeles County in California, as well as hospitals in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Washington state, have imposed similar mask requirements due to increasing respiratory virus cases.