Boston area hospitals are once again requiring healthcare staff to wear masks when interacting with patients, and are encouraging patients to mask, as well.
The changes are the result of a rise in respiratory viruses, and come as cases of the gastrointestinal norovirus are also peaking in the region.
Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health shows cases of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, haven risen similar to the seasonal peaks seen in recent years, while COVID-19 cases remain relatively low…