With the return of winter comes the return of masks. Starting this Monday, December 16, the Bordeaux University Hospital announces the reinforcement of winter measures in its corridors and, therefore, the return of the mandatory use of masks. The public establishment joins the list of other health centers that have already applied the same prerogatives and, in particular, the AP-HP hospitals of Île-de-France. Other departments, such as Charente-Maritime or Côtes-d’Armor, have also changed their instructions in this direction.
“The use of a surgical mask is, today, mandatory for all patients, consultants and family members when entering healthcare areas. In case of respiratory symptoms, the use of a mask is mandatory when entering the hospital,” it is explained in a statement. press release from the Bordeaux University Hospital.
In question? The return of viruses and winter epidemics. And, in particular, bronchiolitis, flu and Covid-19, whose indicators, like every year, have caused panic since the fall.
Respiratory diseases on the rise
In its latest situation bulletin, dated December 11, Santé Publique France underlines that four regions of France are in the flu epidemic phase and eight in the pre-epidemic phase; Twelve regions of France are suffering from a bronchiolitis epidemic, as are the Antilles, Guyana and Mayotte.
Regarding Covid-19, Public Health France’s situation report highlights “a generally stable activity at low levels, although with an increase in wastewater.”
In general, the numbers of acute respiratory infections (ARI) recorded by the French institute are increasing considerably “in cities and in hospitals, in all ages combined.” The French health agency recommends, in this sense, vaccinating before the end of the year holidays, mainly people at higher risk.
Source: BFM TV
