Claire Dawson
As of January 2025, hospitals in Illinois are requiring masks to be worn by all employees, patients, and visitors due to a spike in respiratory illnesses in the area. This includes Tazewell County, which is tracking a rise in respiratory illnesses, with COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases doubling. The OSF HealthCare network, with 10 locations in the state, and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, have also implemented mask mandates. These mandates come as hospitals in at least eight states, including Illinois, are requiring or strongly urging mask-wearing indoors amid growing concerns over a potential 'quad-emic'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Illinois |
| Date | December 2024-January 2025 |
| Reason | Widespread respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV |
| Hospitals | OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Illinois, Hopedale Medical Complex, Rush University Medical Center |
| Requirements | Masks required for employees, patients, and visitors |
| Other Restrictions | Only two visitors (age 18+) per patient at a time |
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What You'll Learn
Hospitals in Illinois are reinstating mask mandates
Hospitals in Illinois Reinstate Mask Mandates
In response to the surge in respiratory illnesses, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, a hospital system in Illinois, announced on Facebook that starting December 31, 2024, all employees, patients, and visitors at their hospitals are required to wear masks. They have also implemented a temporary visitor restriction, allowing only two visitors (age 18+) per patient at a time. Rush University Medical Center in Chicago has also followed suit, requiring patients and visitors to wear hospital-approved masks in clinical offices, waiting areas, and patient registration starting December 2.
The OSF HealthCare network, with 10 locations in Illinois, is also mandating masks for all employees, patients, and visitors. They have also temporarily restricted visiting hours and allowances. The Rush University healthcare system, which includes two medical centers and one hospital, is also requiring face masks for staff and visitors. These mandates come as Illinois is currently at a "moderate" level of respiratory illness spread, according to the IDPH's seasonal respiratory illness dashboard.
The reinstatement of mask mandates in hospitals across Illinois is part of a larger trend in the United States. Hospitals in at least eight states, including Wisconsin, California, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York, are requiring or strongly urging mask-wearing indoors. This comes amid growing concerns over a potential 'quad-emic' of respiratory viruses and increasing cases of respiratory illnesses associated with RSV, influenza, and COVID-19.
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Respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Illinois
In response to the surge in respiratory illnesses, hospitals in Illinois are taking preventive measures. As of December 31, 2024, the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, mandated masks for all employees, patients, and visitors. They also implemented a temporary restriction, allowing only two adult visitors per patient. Similarly, the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago requires patients and visitors to wear hospital-approved masks in clinical areas.
The OSF HealthCare network, with 10 locations in Illinois, is also taking action. While they are recommending masking, it is not a requirement. They have, however, restricted visiting hours and visitor allowances. The Hopedale Medical Complex in Tazewell County has a similar approach, strongly encouraging masks for patients and visitors without making them mandatory.
The rise in respiratory illnesses is not unique to Illinois. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that cases of respiratory illnesses associated with RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are increasing nationwide. The level of respiratory illness activity in the US is now considered "high," and it is "high" or "very high" in most states.
To protect vulnerable communities, Chicago organizations are creating safe spaces and hosting events that require masks. These initiatives provide vital opportunities for immunocompromised and disabled individuals to participate in community activities while reducing the risk of respiratory virus exposure.
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Hospitals in Illinois are recommending masks
In response to the increase in respiratory illnesses, hospitals in Illinois are taking precautions to protect their patients and staff. OSF HealthCare, for example, is recommending masking in its facilities but not requiring it. They are also limiting visitors to two adults per patient and requesting that visitors and patients wear masks. Similarly, Hopedale Medical Complex in Tazewell County is requiring masks for patients and visitors while limiting visitors to two per patient.
Other hospital systems in Illinois, such as Hospital Sisters Health Systems and Memorial Health, are also recommending masks for visitors and patients while limiting visitors to two adults per patient. These measures aim to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses and keep patients and staff safe.
While some hospitals strongly encourage masking, others have implemented mandates. As of December 31, 2024, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, mandated masks for all employees, patients, and visitors due to widespread respiratory illnesses. Rush University Medical Center in Chicago also requires patients and visitors to wear hospital-approved masks in clinical areas.
These mask requirements in hospitals across Illinois reflect the ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses and protect vulnerable individuals.
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Hospitals in Illinois are restricting visitors
As respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Illinois, hospitals are implementing new restrictions to prevent the spread. Tazewell County is currently tracking a spike in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia. In response, hospitals in Illinois are restricting visitors to help stop the spread of these illnesses. Memorial Health, for example, is temporarily restricting visitors at its five hospitals, limiting visits to two visitors per patient, who must be 18 or older and show no signs of illness.
Similarly, OSF HealthCare is recommending that visitors wear masks but is not requiring them to do so. They have also placed some temporary restrictions on visitors to its hospitals and hospice services, limiting visitors to two adults per patient. Rush University Medical Center in Chicago has also implemented a similar policy, requiring masks for patients and visitors and restricting visits to two visitors per patient.
These measures are in line with the Illinois Department of Public Health's recommendation for temporary visitor restrictions due to the increase in respiratory illnesses. Hospitals are closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of their patients and staff. While these restrictions can be challenging for patients and their families, hospitals are using technology to help keep them connected.
In addition to the visitor restrictions, some hospitals in Illinois are also requiring masks for their employees in clinical settings. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, based in Peoria, Illinois, for example, has issued a mandate that all employees, patients, and visitors must wear masks due to the widespread respiratory illnesses in the area. These hospitals are taking steps to balance the needs of their patients and the community while also trying to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
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Hospitals in Illinois are requiring masks for visitors and staff
As respiratory illnesses continue to rise in Illinois, hospitals in the state are implementing mask mandates for both visitors and staff. This includes the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, which issued a mandate in December 2024 requiring all employees, patients, and visitors to wear masks. They also restricted visitors to two adults per patient. Rush University Medical Center in Chicago has implemented a similar mandate, requiring masks for patients and visitors in clinical offices, waiting areas, and patient registration.
The OSF HealthCare network, with 10 locations across Illinois, is also requiring masks for all employees, patients, and visitors, while temporarily restricting visiting hours. The Peoria-based Catholic healthcare system has placed temporary restrictions on visitors to its hospitals and hospice services, strongly encouraging masking for patients and visitors.
Memorial Health, which operates hospitals in Lincoln, Springfield, Decatur, and Taylorville, has limited visitors to two adults per patient and requested that visitors and patients wear masks. The Hopedale Medical Complex in Tazewell County has implemented the same policy, requiring masks for patients and visitors.
These measures come as Illinois faces a spike in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. According to Tazewell County Health Department data, 1 in 10 people who visited the emergency room during the week of December 22 tested positive for respiratory illnesses. The Illinois Department of Public Health's data also reported that 17% of emergency department visits and 16.8% of hospital admissions across the state were due to acute respiratory illnesses.
The mask mandates in Illinois hospitals aim to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of December 2024, hospitals in Illinois have implemented a mask mandate due to the rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
All employees, patients, and visitors at hospitals in Illinois are required to wear masks.
No, everyone entering Illinois hospitals, regardless of their vaccination status or risk level, must wear a mask.
Yes, masks are required to be worn by all individuals in all areas of Illinois hospitals, including clinical offices, waiting areas, and patient registration.
Yes, the OSF HealthCare network, which includes 10 locations in Illinois, has also mandated masks for employees, patients, and visitors in their hospice services and other healthcare facilities.
