Mask Requirement Returns At North Jersey Hospital System

WAYNE, NJ — With respiratory illnesses on the rise around New Jersey, St. Joseph's Health has re-instituted a face mask requirement at all its facilities.

The masking policy went into effect this week for all employees, patients, and visitors at St. Joseph's University Medical Center, St. Joseph's Wayne, and affiliated doctor's offices, urgent care centers, and other facilities.

Cases of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and the stomach bug norovirus have been increasing across the county and straining local emergency rooms and hospitals during the winter months. New Jersey is at the "very high" level for respiratory illness activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pamela Garretson, the executive director of marketing and communications for St. Joseph's Health, said the hospital system has seen a "significant increase" in patients with viral respiratory illnesses, particularly the flu.

Health experts advise people to wash their hands, stay up on their vaccinations, and mask up to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Visitors and staff at St. Joseph's facilities are encouraged to stay home if they are having symptoms of respiratory illness, and seek medical care if needed.

"We will continue to evaluate and adjust our masking policy as the situation evolves," Garretson said.