Uptick in respiratory illness causing Cincinnati hospitals to update mask policies

An uptick of respiratory illness has prompted some of our local hospitals to take extra caution. UC Health and Cincinnati Children's have reissuing mask requirements for workers.Staff members will be required to wear a mask anywhere they are interacting with or providing care to patients, including inpatient rooms, patient exam rooms, at the front desk and during hospital transportation of patients.The health network is recommending masks be worn in areas such as non-patient-facing nursing stations, cafeterias, and lobbies, but they are not required in those areas."We have begun to see the numbers of respiratory virus infections climb in our community and we are implementing this preventative measure (masking) which is proven to provide both source control AND a barrier against viral entry to the respiratory system. It is our duty to protect all of our patients, including the most vulnerable, and this step is an important way to prevent the spread of diseases, including but not limited to influenza, COVID-19 and RSV," a statement from UC Health said.UC Health said the masks must be paper disposable masks and that cloth masks will not be allowed.The mandate will be in place through "respiratory season," and will end sometime in the spring, according to a spokesperson.In September, Cincinnati Children's Hospital began requiring all staff members to wear masks in clinical and public areas of all campuses due to the increased spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, RSV and the flu. The hospital said that decision is subject to change if "local and national data show an even greater rise in respiratory illnesses in our area."WLWT checked in with other local hospitals about their mask policy during the winter season.So far, Mercy Health and Tri-Health said masks are mandated, but only in certain areas of the hospital where there may be highly-contagious diseases or high-risk patients..St. Elizabeth and Christ Hospital keeping their mask policy optional, but they're continuing to monitor the flu and RSV season..We'll bring you changes as we head towards holiday where concerns of spreading respiratory illness increases.