Brown University Health will require masks at all of its facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts starting Thursday due to high community transmission rates of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
The move comes as Rhode Island Department of Health data shows respiratory virus activity increasing sharply across the state. Flu-related emergency department visits have surged from under 1% to nearly 3% of all ED visits over the past several weeks, while hospital admissions for influenza have climbed to approximately 40 per week — up from single digits in early November.
COVID-19 and RSV activity are also on the rise, according to RIDOH’s latest respiratory virus summary. The state has recorded 10 COVID-19 deaths and 4 flu deaths so far this respiratory virus season.
Under Brown University Health’s “Status Yellow” designation, Level 2 surgical masks are required for patients, visitors, and staff during direct patient care. Masks will be provided to family members and visitors upon arrival at hospitals and clinics.
The health system said its decision is based on rising community respiratory virus rates in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, a high number of emergency department patients diagnosed with respiratory viral infections, and increased hospital admissions — including hospital-acquired infections.
Brown University Health, which operates Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Newport Hospital, and other facilities across the region, said it will continue to monitor conditions and adjust safety measures as needed.
The health system also reminded the public that it’s not too late to get a flu shot and encouraged frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.