2 RI Hospitals Enact Mask Mandates Amid Rise Of Respiratory Illnesses

WARWICK, RI — Care New England is reinstating mask-wearing requirements at its two hospital in Rhode Island.

Patients, staff, and visitors must wear masks at Kent Hospital in Warwick and Butler Hospital in Providence amid a rise in respiratory illnesses. According to Care New England Butler Hospital already implemented the mask mandate, while enforcement at Kent will begin Wednesday morning.

The policy does not include other Care New England health care facilities, though masks will be available for anyone who chooses to wear one.

Mask mandates are now in place at 9 hospitals in Rhode Island. Other hospitals with masking requirements include Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's Hospital, the Miriam Hospital, Bradley Hospital, Newport Hospital, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, and Roger Williams Medical Center.

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