Mask mandate Returns to parisโค Hospitals Amid Rising respiratory Virus Cases
Paris,โ France – Masks are onc againโ required โfor all individuals aged six and over entering โขparis hospitals,โค effectiveโข the end of October, as authorities respond to a surge in respiratory syncytial virus โข(RSV) cases.The Public Assistanceโฃ – paris Hospitalsโข (AP-HP) announced the โคmeasure applies toโข all spaces within hospitals where patients circulate,encompassing healthcare professionals,patients,visitors,accompanying persons,paramedics,and โฃvolunteers.
The decision to reinstate mask-wearing isn’t driven by โconcerns over COVID-19 or the flu, butโข by the รle-de-France region’sโฃ entry into theโ epidemic phaseโ for RSV โฃ- a highly contagious virus particularlyโข prevalent during winter months. The AP-HP stated that these recommendations will be updated basedโข on the evolution of winter epidemics.
RSV spreads thru airborne droplets fromโฃ coughs and sneezes, direct contact with infected individuals, and indirect โคcontact with contaminated surfaces. While typically causing mild, cold-like symptoms – including congestion, runny nose, throat irritation, cough, and fever – in older children and adults, the virus can lead to lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis, in children under two years of age.
The โฃNational Association for medicines and Health โProducts Safety notes that RSV remains contagious even after symptoms appear, emphasizing โฃthe โimportance ofโ barrier gestures. The AP-HP’s โmandate aims to protect vulnerable patients and prevent further spread of the virus within healthcare facilities.
