Wisconsin Hospital Group Brings Back Masks as Respiratory Cases Increase

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Civic Media) — Starting today, masks are back at one hospital group. It’s in response to an uptick in respiratory illnesses across the state and country.

Aurora Health Care is reinstating mask mandates for visitors at all state locations starting Jan. 6. Visitors will be required to wear masks when in contact with patients or in designated areas. Other major health systems like Froedtert have not done the same.

Wisconsin health officials are on high alert as respiratory illnesses surge across the state, with 20% of emergency department visits in the northeastern region attributed to respiratory diagnoses for the week ending Dec. 21.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports high levels of respiratory illness statewide, with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV cases on the rise. Health authorities emphasize it’s not too late for people to get vaccinated against those illnesses.