Health officials urge return to masking as viruses circulate

Public health officials from King County joined other nearby public health officers as well as health care leaders representing major area hospitals in recommending a return to masking in indoor public spaces, as well as other prevention measures.

The recommendation comes due to the high level of respiratory viruses currently in circulation, which are placing stress on hospitals.

“Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19,” a press release from the officials said on Friday, Dec. 9. “As health officers and health care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents, we recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.”

The email urged everyone who is eligible to stay up to date on vaccinations.

“Vaccinations are the most important way to protect against severe influenza and COVID-19 infections, including hospitalization and death. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against these diseases and those who are eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster should get it now.”

Other necessary strategies, said the officials, are:

• Staying home from work and school and testing for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms.

• Having a plan for rapid treatment for COVID-19 and influenza for people who are at increased risk for severe infections.

• Improving indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and UV technology where appropriate.

The officials said they expect the flu to circulate for months — so now is the time to get a flu shot.

The flu is most dangerous for:

• Children under 5 years (especially under 2).

• Adults 65 years or older.

• Those who are pregnant.

• Anyone living with a health condition like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

Consult with your physician or healthcare provider about the need for testing or treatment if you are at increased risk for severe influenza or are unsure.

In addition to RSV and influenza, new COVID-19 variants are taking hold and immunity from past vaccination is waning for many people who have not yet received an updated booster shot. The surge in these viruses is resulting in many illnesses, contributing to rising absenteeism in schools this fall. This impact extends to businesses, workers, and families.

For people who develop symptoms, and for parents of young children, it’s important to know when to contact your physician or healthcare provider for advice or an evaluation, the press release said.

Working together and using multiple, layered strategies to limit the spread and impact of these viruses will provide benefits to everyone during this fall and winter respiratory virus season and help relieve serious stress on our healthcare system.

The press released was signed by the following:

Local health officers

Dimyana Abdelmalek, MD, MPH, Health Officer, Thurston County Public Health

Allison Berry, MD, MPH, Health Officer, Clallam and Jefferson Counties

Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, Director of Health, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

Jeff Duchin, MD, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle and King County

Amy Harley, MD, MPH, Co-Health Officer, Whatcom County Health Department

Frank James, MD, Health Officer, San Juan County Health & Community Services

Steven Krager, MD, MPH, Deputy Health Officer, Clark, Pacific and Skamania Counties

Mark Larson, MD, Health Officer, Kittitas County Public Health Department

James Lewis, MD, MPH, Health Officer, Snohomish Health District

Alan Melnick, MD, MPH, Health Officer, Clark, Pacific and Skamania Counties

Gib Morrow, MD, MPH, Health Officer, Kitsap Public Health District

Greg Thompson, MD, MPH, Co-Health Officer, Whatcom County Health Department

Health care leaders

June M. Altaras, MN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President, Chief Quality, Safety and Nursing Officer, MultiCare Health System

Michael H. Anderson, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Mike Barsotti, MD, FAAP, President, Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Tori Bernier, Chief Nursing Officer, Summit Pacific Medical Center

Timothy Dellit, MD, interim Chief Executive Officer, UW Medicine, interim Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and interim Dean of the UW School of Medicine

Mike Glenn, MHA, Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson Healthcare

Jennifer A. Graves, RN, MS, Vice President, Quality and Safety, Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Kaiser Permanente Washington, Regional Chief Nursing Executive, Kaiser Permanente Washington

Sean Gregory, Chief Executive, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center

Carlton Heine, MD, PhD, FACEP, FAWM, Chapter President, Washington American College of Emergency Physicians

Mark Johnson, MD, President, Washington Academy of Family Physicians

Scott Kennedy, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Olympic Medical Center

Robb Kimmes, Chief Executive Officer, Skyline Health

David Knoepfler, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, FACP, FHM, Overlake Medical Center

Onora Lien, Executive Director, Northwest Healthcare Response Network

Carma Matti-Jackson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Washington Health Care Association

Ruth McDonald, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Seattle Children’s

Deb Murphy, MPA, J.D., President & Chief Executive Officer, LeadingAge Washington

Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, Chief Medical & Quality Officer, EvergreenHealth

Charles Prosper, Chief Executive Officer, PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center