Health officials recommend indoor masking as respiratory illnesses surge
Health officials across Western Washington are recommending all individuals wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces as an “unprecedented” surge in viral respiratory illnesses like RSV, the flu and COVID-19 hits across the state and country, they said in a statement on Friday.
Among the swath of health officers and leaders in medical groups around Puget Sound signing on to a statement urging masking and other protective measures: Dr. Gib Morrow, the health officer for the Kitsap Public Health District.
"We can all take simple steps to protect ourselves now and enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season,” Morrow said in a statement released by the health district. “By staying up to date on vaccination and being diligent about everyday prevention habits like handwashing, you can help our community weather this wave of illness.”
A data report from the Kitsap Public Health District shows local numbers of positive tests for influenza and RSV climbing in recent weeks, though the district noted that RSV activity could be leveling off. In the week ending Dec. 3, Kitsap saw a roughly 35% positivity rate for influenza tests and 279 cases detected. During that same week, 66 RSV cases were detected. Roughly 10% of emergency room visits, or 125 visits out of 1,279, at St. Michael Medical Center were for influenza-like illness. COVID-19 continues to circulate too: Data shows 181 new positive tests reported last week, as well as 21 COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Health officials encouraged the public to wear masks indoors when around other people, stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and stay home from work and school when sick.
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Officials recommend indoor masking as respiratory illnesses surge
