Feb 12, 2025 By Karen Mansfield 2 min read

MetroCreative

To help curb the spread of respiratory illness, UPMC is requiring masks be worn in all of its health care facilities, including UPMC Washington and Greene hospitals.

Citing “substantial levels of respiratory illness,” UPMC is requiring people to wear masks at all of its hospitals, including Washington and Greene, and health care offices starting Wednesday.

UPMC said it is bringing back masks to help curb the spread of respiratory viruses, which have been surging recently.

“UPMC closely monitors the spread of respiratory illnesses in health care settings. We are currently seeing substantial levels of respiratory illness due to several viruses. Masking will help to decrease the risk of spreading these potentially serious respiratory illnesses among our patients and staff,” UPMC said in a social media post.

Patients, visitors, support persons, and staff in patient care areas will be required to wear a mask. Masks will be available for those who need one.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported high rates of influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases, including in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Flu cases have increased through Feb. 8, while RSV cases are high but decreasing.

As of Feb. 10, Fayette County has reported 787 cases of flu and 104 cases of RSV; Greene County has recorded 166 flu cases and 27 RSV cases; and Washington County has recorded 1,396 cases of flu and 242 cases of RSV, according to the DOH dashboard.

Allegheny Health Network, Penn Highlands Healthcare, and WVU Medicine are not yet

requiring masks at their facilities. A spokesperson from AHN said the healthcare system strongly recommends masks at its hospitals and patient care areas.