Mask mandates return as COVID-19 cases rise across U.S.

Columbia University is once again urging its students to hide in classrooms, and public health experts are calling for caution. COVID-19[feminine] the number of cases increases in the US

The university’s COVID-19 protocol weekend announced the change, citing an increase in infections in the local area. The resurgence of the disease in New York City after cases had fallen sharply earlier this year was marked on Sunday when Mayor Eric Adams tested positive for the virus.

The virus has also spread to other parts of the United States More than two dozen states across the country have reported an increase in cases over the past eight days, although hospitalizations and deaths have not increased proportionately. . Nearly 1 million Americans have died from COVID-19, with an average of 500 people succumbing to the disease each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Philadelphia revives the mandate of masks as COVID-19 cases increase

As of Monday, Columbia is demanding that students wear non-clothing masks in classrooms, according to a student-run news site. The mask mandate, which will run for the rest of the spring semester, applies to all students, but not teachers, for whom masks are optional.

“As has been our policy throughout the year, teachers have the option of taking off their masks while teaching. Current masking policies in all other settings remain unchanged,” said COVID-19 director the university, Donna Lynne, in a statement.

The move comes after Barnard College, a women’s undergraduate university affiliated with Columbia, reinstated its inner mask rule on April 6th. Barnard requires students to wear masquerades in classrooms, dining halls, study spaces, and at Columbia-sponsored events, according to the student’s own publication.

Barnard began requiring masks again after the university saw an increase in cases following the lifting of his previous mask mandate on March 28, causing symptoms and absences of COVID-19 among community members.

Columbia and Barnard are not alone in re-imposing precautions against coronavirus. At least two other universities: Georgetown in Washington, DC and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, are asking students to mask themselves again. Georgetown announced the reinstatement of a temporary indoor mask warrant in early April 7 in response to a significant increase in cases on campus. The requirement will remain in effect for the foreseeable future, according to Georgetown.

Johns Hopkins also reinstated his mask mandate on April 7 after approximately 100 undergraduate students tested positive for COVID-19 in less than a week.

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole told a news conference Monday that residents should unearth their masks again. The city will enforce a mask warrant as of April 18, people are required to wear face masks at all Philadelphia businesses.

Bettigole noted that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 50% over a 10-day period. Although hospitalizations remain low due to COVID-19, another wave of Subvariant Omicron BA.2which is now dominant in the US

“If we do this, we can literally save the lives of vulnerable Philadelphians,” he said, adding that with masks, residents can “continue to participate in city life without increasing transmission.”

Some Philadelphia business owners have objected to the rules of masks, saying they cause tension between them and customers who do not want to cover their faces. But Bettigole reiterated that business and public health interests are really aligned.

“With the interest of keeping the city’s economic life running smoothly, the best we can do is reduce the number of cases,” he said, noting that establishments that still require vaccination testing to enter should not require masks as well. .

Elsewhere in New York City, Broadway theaters continue to require members of the public to wear masks. Even with the current rule, the shows are canceling performances due to the actors who have tested positive for COVID-19.