UPMC to require masks again as flu, viruses surge in region

Update: On Wednesday, UPMC said it a statement it is recommending, rather than requiring, masks in its facilities. This is a departure from Monday’s statement that masks were required.

People visiting UPMC hospitals and health care offices should plan on wearing a mask, effective Wednesday.

Affiliates of the Pittsburgh-based health care system signaled the move on social media Monday.

“Masking will help to decrease the risk of spreading these potentially serious respiratory illnesses among our patients and staff. Visitors who aren’t feeling well should consider delaying their visit,” one of the social media posts said Monday. “This is required in all UPMC hospitals and outpatient areas, including UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics and UPMC Children’s Express Care. Masks will be available if you need one.”

It’s an attempt to curb the spread of respiratory viruses, which have been surging recently.

As of Feb. 1, Allegheny reported 7,204 cases of flu and 1,646 cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Westmoreland County reported 1,711 flu cases and 311 RSV cases, according to the state’s Repiratory Virus Dashboard, which is updated on Tuesdays.

Allegheny Health Network is not mandating masks but encourages people to wear them in its facilities, a spokesperson said.

Independence Health System requires masking in some places, a spokesperson said.

UPMC issued a similar mask mandate in December 2023 during a surge in respiratory viruses. That mandate lasted about two months.

Masks have been a contentious issue since the covid pandemic in 2020. Some medical experts say masks prevent the spread of illnesses while others find them uncomfortable and believe they are useless.