Baltimore Hospitals Reinstate Masking as Respiratory Illnesses Rise

Hospital systems in the Baltimore region tightened masking rules in response to rising respiratory-illness activity, announcing changes that took effect in early January. The University of Maryland Medical System updated its policy on Jan. 7 to require visitors and patients who have respiratory symptoms to wear a mask when in contact with patients. Luminis Health, part of the Anne Arundel Medical Center system, reinstated mandatory masking in clinical spaces effective Jan. 2.

State health department data show elevated levels of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus activity and an uptick in hospitalizations for these illnesses. Clinicians across the region described an earlier and more aggressive influenza peak this season compared with recent years, prompting health systems to reintroduce source-control measures such as masking to limit transmission inside hospitals.

The UMMS policy applies across its network, including University of Maryland Medical Center and UMMC Midtown Campus in Baltimore as well as UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center and other system hospitals. Hospitals within the state may implement masking requirements when hospitalizations exceed thresholds recommended by the Maryland Department of Health. Health systems said the measures are intended to protect patients who are older, immunocompromised, or recovering from surgery and who face higher risks of severe outcomes from respiratory infections.

For Baltimore residents, the changes mean that visitors should be prepared for screening at entrances and to wear masks if they are coughing, sneezing, or have other respiratory symptoms. Patients arriving for appointments or inpatient care may also be asked to mask in certain areas, and facilities could restrict visitation in units with particularly vulnerable patients. The policies are part of standard infection-prevention practices used episodically during periods of high community transmission.

Public health experts stress layered protections: vaccination for influenza and COVID-19, staying home when sick, frequent hand hygiene, and masking in clinical settings when advised. Hospitals have emphasized that their masking updates will be reassessed as hospitalization trends change and will be lifted once risk levels decline.

Baltimore health-care providers ask residents to follow system guidance when seeking care and to check with their hospital or clinic before visiting if they are ill. These measures aim to keep hospital environments safer for patients and staff while health officials monitor the trajectory of respiratory illnesses this winter.