Masks Required For Silver Cross Visitors Starting Jan. 8

NEW LENOX, IL — Visitors to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox will be required to wear masks, beginning Monday, Jan. 8.

Citing a rise in respiratory viruses, hospital officials on Friday announced the move in response to more patients with COVID-19, influenza A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

"... earlier this week, there were 40 COVID-positive patients alone, and we expect that number may continue to grow over the next week from viruses spread at holiday gatherings over the past couple weeks," administrators said in a release.

Beginning Jan. 8, all visitors of hospitalized patients in all units will be required to wear masks at all times while in patient rooms.

Any visitors arriving at the hospital without a mask will be provided one.

Silver Cross isn't the only area hospital requiring masks again. Rush is also requiring masks for visitors, patients and staff at all three of its campuses.