COVID-19 and influenza are on the rise again, with the latest COVID-19 wave expected to peak mid-July. Although the mask order has been lifted, medical institutions have the right to determine when and where masks should be worn to mitigate viral transmission.
On Thursday the CDC stated they have formulated guidelines for medical care institutions to respond and are providing relevant guidance to ensure that facilities have the capacity to implement them. The guidelines include patient triage, cough etiquette, hand hygiene, reminding visitors to abide by mask regulations at entrances, and more. Staff may choose to use additional respiratory and eye protection to further reduce the risk of transmission, the CDC recommends.
The CDC underlines that patients in medical institutions and residents of nursing homes are at high risk for developing COVID and flu-related complications that could lead to death, especially if the entire community becomes infected. They said individuals who have respiratory symptoms, have been around infected patients, or suspect they may have been infected themselves should avoid entering medical care facilities unless necessary.
Aside from exercising caution and avoiding crowded spaces when possible, the CDC also advises individuals who have developed symptoms to continue wearing a mask until five days after symptoms subside.