On Thursday, all six hospital groups in Hampton Roads issued a joint masking recommendation based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing a sharp rise in cases of flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory illnesses throughout the area.
In the joint statement released by Bon Secours, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, Children’s Hospital of the King’s and Daughters, EVMS Medical Group, Riverside, and Sentara, they strongly recommend all patients and visitors, including those seeking outpatient services, wear masks inside hospitals, medical facilities, and physician practices.
All patients and visitors, even those who have already received their annual flu shot and are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, are strongly encouraged to wear masks inside healthcare facilities.
The joint statement also said masking provides an added layer of protection from respiratory illnesses, even for those vaccinated.
Additional measures to limit the spread of disease, especially the flu, include washing hands frequently, staying home when sick, getting vaccinated, and coughing into sleeves or tissues.