Posted on 01/11/24
Baltimore, MD - Jan. 11, 2024 - Johns Hopkins Medicine is reintroducing mask mandates at all their Maryland facilities starting from January 12, according to WMAR2News. This policy applies to everyone, including employees, patients, and visitors, regardless of their vaccination status. The decision comes in response to the increasing cases of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which have led to higher hospitalization rates. Despite these rising cases, vaccination rates in the general population remain low. Johns Hopkins intends to implement this mandate temporarily. Other healthcare institutions, such as the University of Maryland Medical System, have also reinstated similar mask requirements. The Maryland Department of Health suggests implementing such mandates when hospitalizations for COVID and flu exceed 10 per 100,000 residents.