Faced with the significant activity of the viruses responsible for bronchiolitis and Covid-19 in Île-de-France, the AP-HP (Assistance publique – Hôpitaux de Paris) has decided that wearing a mask is once again compulsory in all hospitals in the region.
- Faced with the bronchiolitis epidemic, the AP-HP makes wearing a surgical mask compulsory in all hospitals in Île-de-France.
- It is compulsory for anyone over 6 years old upon entry into spaces where patients circulate.
- These recommendations will be updated depending on the evolution of winter epidemics.
“In view of the passage of the Île-de-France region into the bronchiolitis epidemic phase and the active circulation of SARS-CoV-2, a surgical mask must be worn by all people upon entering the spaces in which circulate patients”warns the AP-HP (Public Assistance – Paris Hospitals) in a press release, published on November 8.
Wearing a mask in hospital: who are the people concerned?
The surgical mask, a medical device which limits the transmission of microbes by retaining the emissions of respiratory droplets from its wearer, has been compulsory since November in all AP-HP establishments. It must be worn “upon entry into spaces where patients circulate” by all professionals (whatever the sectors of activity), those involved in contact with patients (paramedics, volunteers, etc.) as well as patients.
The organization specifies that patients must continue to wear it when they are in waiting rooms and when moving around the establishment. If they are hospitalized, they should put it on as soon as they leave their room. Accompanying persons and visitors aged over six are also asked to follow this instruction.
“These recommendations will be updated to take into account the evolution of winter epidemics”adds the AP-HP.
Bronchiolitis: the epidemic has been raging for two weeks in Île-de-France
The AP-HP has taken the decision to reintroduce the compulsory wearing of masks in its establishments, because the bronchiolitis epidemic has been raging in Île-de-France for two weeks.
THE weekly report from Public Health Francepublished on November 13, 2024, indicates “the continued increase in emergency room visits for bronchiolitis”. This infection, which mainly affects babies, concerned 8.7% of visits to the emergency room and 16.7% of hospitalizations under the age of 2 between November 4 and 10, 2024. Among the 1,659 children of this age seen in the emergency room for bronchiolitis during this period, 458 (27.6%) were hospitalized, of which 428 were aged less than 1 year according to the data transmitted.
If the Covid-19 indicators tend to stabilize, the AP-HP specifies that in Île-de-France the coronavirus is still actively circulating.
