In response to rising cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and the flu, healthcare providers in the Twin Cities metro area have reintroduced masking requirements for staff members. M Health Fairview has already implemented this measure, while Allina Health plans to follow suit starting from Tuesday.

Melissa McMahon, a senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health, acknowledged the prevalence of respiratory illnesses in Minnesota, with a significant amount of COVID-19 and flu activity reported. Data from the MDH indicates that both COVID-19 and flu hospitalizations continue to climb statewide, consistent with patterns observed in recent weeks. However, RSV hospitalizations have remained stable compared to the previous week.

Hospitals and emergency departments in the metro area are grappling with increased patient volumes, leading to longer wait times. Hennepin Healthcare has advised patients that its clinics and emergency departments are experiencing high demand, resulting in extended waiting periods. Similar advisories have been issued by Allina Health, attributing the surge in wait times to the rise in flu, RSV, and other seasonal illnesses.

Children's Minnesota has also cautioned patients about longer-than-usual wait times in its emergency departments. At times this week, their Minneapolis location reported wait times of four hours or longer for non-critical concerns, which improved to 30 to 60 minutes by Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, the St. Paul campus reported two to three-hour waits.

Dr. Liz Placzek, a primary care pediatrician for Children's Minnesota, revealed that their clinic has been seeing a mix of patients with colds, COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. The numbers started increasing prior to the holidays, indicating an anticipated influx of sick children. Placzek emphasized that children under two years old, particularly those under eight months old, are at the highest risk for illness. It is advised to keep them away from sick individuals and avoid large gatherings if they are deemed high-risk.

In severe instances, Children's Minnesota recommends taking children with symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or a bluish skin color to the nearest emergency room.

As healthcare providers strive to manage the surge in cases and meet the increasing demand, it remains uncertain when activity levels will begin to decline. The community is encouraged to practice necessary precautions and seek immediate medical attention when severe symptoms arise.