Johns Hopkins Reinstates Mask Mandate As COVID, Flu Cases Rise

BALTIMORE, MD — Face masks will once again be required at all Johns Hopkins Medicine locations in Maryland as COVID-19 and influenza cases continue to rise, the organization announced Thursday.

According to a statement from Johns Hopkins, all patients, visitors, and employees must wear a mask starting Friday, regardless of vaccination status.

"Throughout this respiratory illness season, Johns Hopkins Medicine has remained vigilant to ensure the health and safety of our patients and their care partners, our community, and our care teams," Johns Hopkins said in a statement. "We have closely monitored respiratory virus updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state departments of health where Johns Hopkins Medicine healthcare facilities are located."

While Johns Hopkins' primary campus is in Baltimore, the organization offers care at 39 locations throughout Maryland and the Greater Washington, D.C. region.

The statement said Johns Hopkins officials anticipate the requirement to be in effect on a "short-term basis while viral respiratory illness rates are high."

New government data posted Friday for last week shows 37 states with high or very high levels of respiratory illnesses with fever, cough and other symptoms. Last week, 38 states reported high or very high levels.

Maryland reported high levels of respiratory illnesses for the week ending Jan. 6.

The measure likely includes people with COVID-19, RSV and other winter viruses, and not just flu. But flu seems to be increasing most dramatically, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We expect it to be elevated for several more weeks,” said the CDC's Alicia Budd. So far, though, this is a moderate flu season, she said.

According to Johns Hopkins guidance, patients, staff and visitors are not allowed to wear bandanas, gaiters or masks with exhalation valves. Clear, shield-like face masks are also not recommended.

Johns Hopkins offered additional resources including how to properly wear a face mask.