ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The two biggest health systems in the Rochester area will hold a joint news conference on Wednesday about the spike in flu cases and new masking recommendations.
Leaders of the University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional Health are expected to speak around 10 a.m. On Tuesday, RRH announced that its “highly encouraging masking” for all staff, patients, and visitors in clinical settings at its facilities for the next 30 days. That’s because of an increase in staff getting sick and hospitalizations from the flu.
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Clinical settings include hospitals, doctors’ offices, urgent cares, imaging and laboratory service centers, and long-term care facilities. RRH says masks will be available at all its locations.
Latest flu numbers
Since late September, there have been 7,100 confirmed flu cases in the seven-county region, according to Roc Health Data. That’s more than the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (2,115) and RSV cases (744).
There’s been a gradual spike in flu cases almost every week. For the week of Dec. 20, the most recent with data available, there were 3,206 reported cases. So far this season, 464 people have been hospitalized with the flu, 228 with COVID-19, and 79 with RSV. You can explore the latest data across the region here.
How to protect yourself from the flu
Medical experts recommend frequently washing your hands and staying home when you’re sick. They also recommend getting the flu shot, which is available at local pharmacies, including Wegmans, CVS, and Walgreens.
The post URMC and RRH set to speak about masking policies as flu cases spike appeared first on WHEC.com.
