Two NY Upstate Medical hospitals reimpose mask mandates

Editor's Note

Two New York (NY) Upstate Medical hospitals, University and Community General, reimposed their mask mandates on August 17 after an increase in COVID-19 cases was announced, and testing is also now required for all patients admitted to the hospitals, The Daily News reports.

According to a memo sent to Upstate staff and provided to Syracuse.com, mandatory masking is required by all staff, visitors, and patients in clinical areas, and masking is strongly recommended in nonclinical areas.

The new variant, EG.5, is responsible for the increase in patient cases and staff out sick. In addition, more COVID-19 is being found in wastewater from the hospitals and the community at large, the report says.

The masking and testing policies will be reviewed again in 3 weeks.