(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Mask mandates are back at some hospitals as respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Illinois.
Ascension hospitals in Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Aurora, Chicago, Evanston and other locations are now requiring masks in some areas.
A spokeswoman for the Catholic health system told WBBM they’ve had guidelines in place since August but began enforcing a mandate since seeing a rise in RSV and COVID cases.
It applies to areas deemed ‘high-risk, inpatient,’ such as the Emergency Department, ICU, Oncology and Labor and Delivery.
Masks are optional in other patient spaces.
Ascension is also telling visitors to stay away if they have a fever, cough, recent positive covid test or exposure to someone who’s positive.
The Chicago Public Health Department considers RSV cases very high, notes flu is growing and says COVID is increasing but lower than the other two.
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