Amid a surge in COVID, seasonal flu, and respiratory illnesses, hospitals in several U.S. states, including California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts, have reintroduced mask mandates for patients and healthcare providers.

In California, Los Angeles County reinstated masking at all licensed healthcare facilities, emphasizing the need for collective measures to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses. The ongoing developments reflect the healthcare system's efforts to adapt and respond to evolving public health challenges.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed over 29,000 COVID hospitalizations in the U.S. from Dec. 17-23, a 16% increase from the previous week, along with over 14,700 flu hospitalizations.

Mask mandates, previously contentious, have been reinstated due to the rising threat of respiratory illnesses. The conservative-dominated Supreme Court had earlier struck down President Joe Biden's federal vaccine-or-test mandate and a judge appointed by his Republican predecessor had invalidated the public transportation mask mandate.

The renewed focus on masks addresses concerns from both those who resisted wearing masks and those who were frustrated by the potential health risks posed by non-mask wearers. The U.S. has witnessed over 1.1 million COVID-related deaths, a higher rate than many other affluent nations.

Hospitals like Rush University in Chicago and Cook County Health in Illinois are implementing mandatory masking in specific areas, responding to the Illinois Department of Public Health's call for increased mitigation efforts. Berkshire Health Systems in Massachusetts also initiated mandatory masking.

In New York, all 11 public hospitals, 30 health centers, and five long-term care facilities have reinstated mask requirements, aiming to prevent staffing shortages and protect frontline health workers, as highlighted by New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan.