During the upcoming holiday season, the Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity is urging hospitals and healthcare providers to reintroduce universal mask mandates in order to protect against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. The coalition, which was established during the pandemic with the aim of protecting individuals who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, hosted a virtual press conference on Monday to urge health systems to reconsider their masking policies.
Many hospitals had lifted their mask mandates after the public health emergency ended in May. However, with the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, there is a growing concern that lifting these policies too soon could lead to an increase in transmission rates. The coalition believes that reintroducing universal mask mandates would help mitigate this risk and ensure that everyone stays safe during the holiday season.
According to the Boston Business Journal, many hospitals have been hesitant to reintroduce mask mandates due to concerns about patient comfort and compliance. However, the coalition argues that keeping patients safe should be a top priority for healthcare providers. By reinstating mask mandates, hospitals can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, which can ultimately lead to better health outcomes for their patients.