In response to the recent spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations and the rising prevalence of respiratory viruses, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued recommendations for medical facilities to step up their mitigation efforts. With 51 counties in Illinois reporting medium or high levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations, health officials are urging hospitals, long-term care facilities, and local health departments to implement measures such as masking and screening to curb the spread of viruses like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV.

The IDPH supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recommendation of facility-wide masking in healthcare facilities located in counties with elevated COVID-19 hospitalization rates. Furthermore, in areas with increased transmission of other respiratory viruses such as flu and RSV, even if COVID-19 hospitalizations are not high, facilities are advised to use their discretion in implementing masking protocols.

Over the past week, Illinois has witnessed 1,225 new COVID-19 hospitalizations, marking a 22% increase compared to the previous week. The IDPH also highlights the burden of pediatric hospitalizations due to RSV, with positive lab tests for RSV steadily rising for ten consecutive weeks. Both flu and COVID-19 hospitalizations are also increasing, as indicated by the rising percentages of positive lab tests for these respiratory viruses over the past three weeks.

Dr. Sameer Vohra, the Director of the IDPH, expressed concern over the surge in respiratory viruses and emphasized the importance of protecting patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare facilities. "With the alarming rise in respiratory viruses we are seeing across the state and the country, IDPH is recommending healthcare facilities take precautions to reduce the spread of these viruses," said Dr. Vohra. He specifically highlighted the need for masking in patient care areas, particularly in emergency departments and areas catering to immunocompromised patients.

According to the CDC's national COVID Data Tracker, the number of counties listed at the "high" level for COVID-19 hospitalizations has doubled from five to 10 in central Illinois, including Sangamon, in the week ending December 2. Additionally, 41 counties are classified as being at a medium level, indicating between 10 and 20 COVID-19 hospitalizations per 100,000 population during that period.

To aid in monitoring respiratory virus activity, Illinois recently launched a respiratory virus dashboard that is updated every Friday. Healthcare facilities are advised to follow CDC guidelines and enforce facility-wide masking in counties experiencing high levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations. In counties with increased respiratory illness incidences in the community, hospitals are recommended to screen staff and visitors for symptoms, promote proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette, and encourage individuals with respiratory symptoms to defer non-urgent hospital visits and opt for telehealth services or get tested for respiratory viruses prior to any in-person visits.

As the winter season approaches and viral infections surge, it is crucial for healthcare facilities to prioritize the safety of their patients and staff by implementing these recommended mitigations. The IDPH continues to monitor the situation and collaborate with medical facilities to combat the spread of respiratory viruses in Illinois.