As new COVID-19 variants emerge and cases of the virus reappear in some regions of the U.S., a tried-and-true safety measure from the pandemic era is making a comeback: mask requirements.
Since just over a month ago, there have been more COVID-19 instances reported, and three additional varieties are reportedly spreading quickly, according to health experts.
Because of this, many businesses and other groups are once more requiring the usage of masks, which has been shown to be an effective way to stop the virus’s spread.
Cities and governments have universally abandoned mask regulations, much like vaccination requirements, as COVID rates have decreased since their high in 2022.
This week, Morris Brown College in Atlanta made the decision to reinstate its two-week mask requirement because of an increase in COVID cases among students.
As stated in an announcement from college president Dr. Kevin James, masks were a requirement for all employees and students as of Tuesday. The college is also restricting the size of events, including parties, and is resuming its investigation into diseases.
College Suspends Parties and Events and In-Office Mask Restriction Over COVID-19 Concerns
No parties or student events will be held on campus over the next two weeks, according to the college. Additionally requesting that children who test positive for COVID-19 spend at least five days in isolation and participate in virtual classes during that time.
The most recent CDC data revealed that COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased 30% in Georgia.
As occurrences of the disease rise in Los Angeles, the movie studio Lionsgate is reinstituting the in-office mask restriction at its Santa Monica offices in California, according to a report by Deadline.
According to the report, Lionsgate said that several employees had recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Other safety precautions are also being revived by Lionsgate. According to Deadline, every employee must self-screen each day for COVID symptoms before coming into the office.
The journal cited an internal corporate email in reporting that employees experiencing symptoms or those who have just returned from an international trip are asked to stay at home and contact the company’s response manager.
In response to this most recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente in Northern California has reinstated a mask requirement at its Santa Rosa hospital and medical offices.
Even if COVID instances continue to climb, some experts worry that it may be difficult to convince Americans to put on masks once more.
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Source: CBS News
