As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in New Jersey, several hospitals in the state have implemented mask requirements and visitor restrictions. This precautionary measure has been taken to curb the spread of not only COVID-19 but also flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
New Jersey, along with seven other states, has been classified as having “very high” respiratory illness indicators. In fact, these respiratory illnesses account for 8% of all emergency room visits in the state. Given the severity of the situation, hospitals are taking necessary steps to protect their patients and staff.
Two large hospital networks in New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian and RWJBarnabas, have varying restrictions in place depending on the hospital. Hackensack Meridian, for example, requires all patient encounters to include the use of masks and may limit or restrict visitation based on the level of COVID-19 activity. On the other hand, RWJBarnabas expects all visitors to wear face masks whenever they are in the presence of patients.
The increase in COVID-19 cases is evident in the rise of hospitalizations. Between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, hospitalizations jumped from 903 to 1,258. Furthermore, the state is also experiencing a high level of flu activity, with 18 outbreaks reported in the past three weeks. This surge in respiratory diseases during January is not uncommon, often attributed to holiday gatherings and travel.
Other hospitals in New Jersey, such as Holy Name, Englewood Health, and Atlantic Health, have also implemented mask requirements and visitor restrictions. However, The Valley Hospital has not made any changes to its visitor guidelines since October, and mask wearing remains optional.
Visitors to Atlantic Health may be asked to wear masks upon arrival, depending on the disease transmission rate in different communities. The aim of these measures is to protect not only patients but also visitors, ensuring a safe healthcare environment for everyone.
In conclusion, the recent increase in COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases has prompted multiple hospitals in New Jersey to enforce mask requirements and visitor restrictions. The goal is to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and safeguard the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and healthcare personnel. For everyone’s safety, it is crucial to comply with these guidelines during these challenging times.
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