Universal Masking Now Required at Oneida Health as Respiratory Illnesses Rise Statewide
Respiratory illnesses—including flu, RSV, and COVID‑19—are increasing rapidly across New York State. Last week, the state recorded its highest weekly flu case count since tracking began in 2004. Because of this surge, Oneida Health is implementing mandatory universal masking across all facilities to protect patients, residents, visitors, and staff.This requirement applies to every Oneida Health location, including the Extended Care Facility, Oneida Health Hospital, Quick Care locations, and all Primary, Pediatric and Specialty Care offices.
Mask Requirements
To help keep everyone safe:
- All employees and visitors must wear a facility‑issued, healthcare‑grade mask upon entry.
- Masks must fully cover the nose and mouth at all times, except when eating or drinking.
- Cloth or store‑bought masks are not permitted.
- Visitors and symptomatic patients are strongly encouraged to mask.
- Visitors to the ECF, or hospital must be 18 or older and symptom‑free while the mandate remains in effect.
Current Respiratory Illness Activity
Recent statewide surveillance shows significant increases:
- Flu cases: up 38%
- Flu‑related hospitalizations: up 63%
- RSV cases: up 25%
- COVID‑19 cases: up 3%
- 14 regional healthcare facilities are currently reporting respiratory outbreaks
At Oneida Health, both influenza and COVID‑19 outbreaks are being managed within the Extended Care Facility, and multiple departments are experiencing staff absences due to respiratory and gastrointestinal illness.
How You Can Help Reduce the Spread
Everyone can play a role in keeping our community healthy. Please:
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Wear masks as recommended
- Get vaccinated for flu, COVID‑19, and RSV
- Maintain distance when unmasked, such as during meals
- Cover coughs and sneezes, and throw tissues away immediately
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Clean and disinfect high‑touch surfaces regularly