Mask mandates are back as US hospitals prepare for 'quad-demic'

Audio By Carbonatix

Nine states have mandated masks in hospitals for the 2024-2025 viral season amidst what some are calling a "quad-demic."

California, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts all have made masks required. Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and North Carolina require masks and additionally are restricting visitors. Wisconsin has put visitor restrictions in place.

All other states have made no changes.

The "quad-demic" refers to four viruses — the flu, COVID, RSV and norovirus — all on the rise in the US and responsible for 30,000 deaths so far this winter.