Posted on 01/01/26
Baltimore, MD – Jan. 1, 2026 – As flu and other respiratory illnesses become increasingly pervasive, LifeBridge Health has reinstated masking requirements for employees and visitors, effective immediately. Sinai Hospital and Northwest Hospital are part of the LifeBridge Health system.
The move comes as flu activity surges nationwide, with health officials reporting high or very high levels in most states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 7.5 million Americans have become ill from the flu this season, with 3,100 deaths reported so far, including eight children. Hospitalizations are also climbing sharply, with 5.6 flu-related admissions per 100,000 people last week, up from 3.1 the week before. Flu cases accounted for 5.4% of all hospitalizations, compared with 3.2% during the same period last year.
Under LifeBridge Health’s guidance, masking is now required for staff during all patient contact in inpatient and outpatient settings. This includes entering patient rooms, providing care or services in shared clinical areas such as nursing stations, transporting patients, and providing therapy outside patient rooms. Team members are also instructed to honor patient requests to mask in any setting. Masking remains optional in non-clinical public areas, including lobbies, waiting rooms, cafeterias, and staff lounges.
Visitors are not otherwise restricted, but they are required to wear surgical-type masks in clinical settings and are advised not to visit if they are feeling ill or have recently been exposed to a respiratory illness.
Health officials say much of the current surge is being driven by a newly identified flu strain known as subclade K, which was not included in this season’s flu vaccine because it emerged after vaccine components were selected. Even so, vaccination continues to be recommended.
LifeBridge Health is also encouraging, though not requiring, eligible employees to receive the latest COVID-19 and RSV vaccines as respiratory illnesses continue to rise.