Banner Lassen Medical Center has announced that effective immediately, masking will be mandatory in patient areas at all Banner facilities. According to Banner Health, the new protocols are being put in place in response to a significant surge in seasonal flu cases.
Under the new guidelines, all patients, visitors, and staff are required to wear masks within patient care areas. While patients are not required to wear masks while inside their own hospital rooms, the hospital is encouraging everyone to wear them in non-patient areas as well.
Banner Health noted that masks will be made available at facility entrances for those who need them.
The decision comes as the region faces a new subvariant of influenza A, known as H3N2, which officials say is driving higher infection rates. Banner Health emphasized that the masking measure is intended to protect everyone in Banner facilities, particularly vulnerable populations such as those 65 and older, children under the age of two, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Despite the surge in the new variant, the hospital added that the seasonal flu shot remains highly effective against severe disease and hospitalization.
