Why you need to wear a mask in hospitals again

We will soon have to return to the reflexes adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, you will now have to wear a surgical mask if you go to a hospital in Île-de-France, announces Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP) via a press release.

“In view of the passage of the Île-de-France region into the bronchiolitis epidemic phase and the active circulation of SARS-CoV-2, a surgical mask must be worn by all people (professionals, patients and visitors) from entry into spaces in which patients circulate”explains the site.

All people entering the hospital are affected

The APHP specifies that this measure concerns all professionals, regardless of the sector (conventional hospitalization, consultation, day hospital). Hospitalized patients are also affected when they leave their rooms, as well as outpatients, in waiting rooms and when they move around the hospital.

Those who come into contact with patients (including paramedics, volunteers), visitors over the age of six and those accompanying them must also wear a surgical mask.

Also read: Beyfortus in pharmacies against bronchiolitis: instructions for use

Île-de-France in epidemic phase of bronchiolitis

This measure is taken in a context of an increase in the number of cases of bronchiolitis and Covid. Indeed, Île-de-France has entered the epidemic phase for bronchiolitis, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin, published by Public Health France this Wednesday, November 13.

As a reminder, bronchiolitis is an acute respiratory viral infection affecting the bronchioles (small bronchi), according to the Health Insurance website, Ameli.fr. Infants are most vulnerable to bronchiolitis. The symptoms are as follows: cold or nasopharyngitis with a slight fever, then cough and difficulty breathing which results in rapid and wheezing breathing (noisy when exhaling). If your child has these symptoms, consult your doctor.