Colds on the rise: clinics rely on mask requirement
In view of increasing respiratory infections and to protect their patients, clinics in Bavaria are once again introducing stricter rules for visitors and employees. At Nuremberg Hospital, for example, an adapted mask policy has been in place since last Thursday, according to a spokeswoman.
The hospital recommends that visitors wear a medical mask in all indoor areas - regardless of whether they have cold symptoms. Patients are also asked to put on a mask as soon as they leave the patient room. All employees with direct patient contact are also required to wear a mask.
Since mid-November, posters at Erlangen University Hospital have been advising everyone to wear a mask. Anyone with a cough or sore throat should stay away from the hospital as a visitor, and patients should only enter the building wearing a mask, as a spokesperson explains. As in every autumn and winter, there are currently many absences due to colds and viral infections, including coronavirus. The staffing situation is very tense in some areas.
Several weeks ago, the University Hospital in Regensburg stepped up its protective measures with regard to respiratory diseases. Since October 1, employees in contact with patients have been required to wear masks and visitors or accompanying persons with symptoms have been asked to postpone their stay. For those for whom this is not possible, the clinic insists on a mask requirement.
Masks are also recommended for visitors to the University Hospital in Augsburg. Masks are compulsory in areas where patients are particularly susceptible to infection, such as the intensive care unit. The Munich Clinic currently manages without mandatory masks and restrictions for visitors. However, employees who come into contact with patients are recommended to wear a mask, a spokesperson said.
Ingolstadt Hospital continues to rely on the personal responsibility of employees and visitors alike. However, visitors who show symptoms will be asked to wear a mask, a spokesperson said. If respiratory illnesses become more frequent in certain areas, visits to these areas are temporarily no longer possible or masks are compulsory.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, the number of serious respiratory infections has recently increased significantly. The experts recently reported a significant increase, particularly for young children and people aged 15 to 34. However, the incidence among young children was still significantly lower than in the same period last year and "at the level of the pre-pandemic seasons". The data comes from random monitoring of severe acute respiratory infections at hospitals.
Source: www.dpa.com
