JERSEY SHORE — Several of New Jersey’s major hospital systems are once again requiring face masks as respiratory viruses continue to climb heading into the winter season.
Hackensack Meridian Health, one of the state’s largest networks, said Monday that visitors will be required to mask up when seeing admitted patients at any of its facilities. The policy took effect December 1.
In a social media announcement, the network urged the public to take precautions as virus activity grows. Hackensack Meridian operates 18 hospitals and more than 500 care sites statewide, serving nearly 2 million patients each year.
RWJ Barnabas Health, which oversees 14 hospitals across New Jersey, also reinstated masking rules this week. Under the updated guidelines, masks are required for staff providing direct patient care, for patients when they leave their hospital rooms, and for visitors who are around patients. The system said face coverings are strongly encouraged at its outpatient sites.
Other health providers around the state have reminded patients that mask mandates may return when local illness levels rise.
Hospitals have seen a steady increase in admissions tied to COVID-19, flu and RSV in recent weeks, according to the state’s latest respiratory illness surveillance data. While emergency department visits remain relatively low, hospitalizations continue to trend upward.
Health officials say older adults account for most COVID and flu hospitalizations, while RSV is primarily impacting young children and seniors.
With holiday gatherings underway and colder weather pushing people indoors, experts expect viral transmission to continue climbing in the weeks ahead.
