States Reintroduce Mask Mandates Due to Emerging Quadruple Epidemic Threat

Doctor wearing mask and gloves, holding clipboard outside hospital.

As the United States faces the combined threat of flu, Covid, RSV, and norovirus, several states are resorting to mask mandates to protect public health from the looming quad-epidemic.

At a Glance

Mask mandates are reinstated in eight U.S. states amid a ‘quad-emic’ of viral infections.
This resurgence includes flu, Covid-19, RSV, and norovirus, contributing to millions of infections and thousands of deaths.
Hospitals in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York are enforcing mask-wearing indoors.
Health experts predict the peak of these infections will occur in January or early February.

Reinstating Mask Mandates

Face mask mandates are reintroducing in hospitals across various U.S. states in response to mounting concerns about a ‘quad-emic’ involving flu, Covid-19, RSV, and norovirus. As of now, mask mandates are effective in at least eight states, including North Carolina, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York. These measures aim to curtail the spread of infections caused by these overlapping epidemics.

The decision follows a sharp increase in respiratory infections, leading Duke Health and Mass General Brigham to update their guidelines. At Mass General Brigham, a ‘high’ respiratory virus activity status necessitates mask usage among clinicians and staff in patient areas.

Impact of the Quad-Epidemic

The resurgence of these four viral infections has led to approximately 15 million cases and 30,000 deaths this winter. Covid-19 has seen the highest activity levels, followed closely by the flu and RSV. Emergency department visits for flu and RSV are reportedly very high and increasing, while Covid-19 visits remain low but are rising.

Additionally, norovirus cases have surged, reaching their highest level for this time of year since 2012. With the flu season typically spanning December to February, experts anticipate the infection peaks to vary slightly depending on location.

Preventive Measures and Recommendations

In light of the rising infection rates, health authorities stress the importance of preventive measures. The CDC advises annual flu vaccinations and updated Covid vaccinations. Emphasizing handwashing, mask-wearing in indoor or crowded settings, and staying home when ill, these guidelines aim to bolster community protection.

Vaccination rates, however, are reportedly low, with only 21% of adults and 10.6% of children having received the updated Covid-19 vaccine, and flu vaccination rates lingering around 40%. Health officials continue to promote vaccinations alongside other preventive practices to mitigate the impact of the quad-epidemic.