Some hospitals and hospital systems across the country are reinstating mask policies well over three years after the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Major mask mandates that dominated the country for months on end — including the controversial mask mandate for air travel, which the courts struck down — have come and gone. However, some entities, including schools and some workplaces, have brought them back, at least on a short-term basis, citing rising cases of the coronavirus.
Massachusetts’ Baystate Health is among those bringing back masking, requiring those entering patient rooms or care areas to wear a mask.
Dr. Andrew Artenstein, Baystate Health’s chief physician executive and chief academic officer, said the hospital system opted to make this decision because of an increase in coronavirus cases. He believes this move will “protect the safety and health of [their] patients, visitors, and employees.”
