ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The two biggest health systems in the Rochester area are “strongly encouraging” all visitors to wear masks at their hospitals as flu cases are spiking. In addition, all staff, contractors, and volunteers are required to wear masks anytime patients are around.
Leaders of the University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional Health spoke on Wednesday morning about the rise in respiratory illnesses in Monroe County. Investigative Reporter Jennifer Lewke has details from the news conference on News10NBC starting at 4 p.m.
UR Medicine released the new masking guidelines for all of its hospitals on Wednesday, said Dr. Michael Apostolakos, URMC’s chief medical officer. RRH also announced on Tuesday that it’s requiring masking for the next 30 days at its clinical settings. Clinical settings include hospitals, doctors’ offices, urgent cares, imaging and laboratory service centers, and long-term care facilities. UR Medicine and RRH say masks will be available at all its locations…