Several South Jersey hospitals and medical centers are reintroducing mask mandates in response to the latest surge in COVID-19 cases, marking the highest hospitalization rates since last winter. Inspira Health, Cooper University Health Care, Jefferson Health, and Virtua Health are among the healthcare providers implementing mask requirements due to an increased prevalence of respiratory viruses in the region.
Inspira Health initiated mandatory masking for all visitors across its facilities on Thursday. Patients and visitors will be provided with medical-grade face masks for use within the premises.
Cooper University Hospital in Camden, as of Friday, mandates that all visitors wear masks within patient rooms. The requirement extends to patients and visitors at Cooper outpatient facilities and MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper locations.
Jefferson Health, starting Saturday, enforces the use of ear-loop masks for patients in emergency departments, urgent care centers, and congregate settings, including rehabilitation hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities. This requirement also applies to patients with viral respiratory symptoms in other Jefferson Health settings. Effective Monday, all other patients and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks at Jefferson Health facilities. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of respiratory-virus infections are advised not to visit patients.
Virtua Health has reintroduced masking requirements for patients and visitors in emergency departments, provided they are medically able to do so. Additionally, staff members must wear masks during patient interactions and in congregate settings such as meeting rooms and break rooms. Dr. John Matsinger, Executive Vice President of Virtua Health, emphasized the importance of these measures and stated that the organization will closely monitor transmission rates to adjust policies accordingly.
New Jersey reported its highest number of COVID hospitalizations since January 2023, with 773 patients on Tuesday, according to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). As of Sunday, the NJDOH recorded 645 COVID hospitalizations across 29 of the state’s 70 hospitals.
The Northeast region’s wastewater analysis, an early indicator of potential surges, has doubled over the last month, reaching its highest total since January 2022 when the omicron outbreak subsided. In response to these trends, South Jersey healthcare providers are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and staff members. Stay informed and stay protected.
