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Masking rules reinstated at LBJ after uptick in respiratory cases

reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — LBJ Chief Executive Officer Moefa’auo Bill Emmsley issued an announcement late Wednesday regarding an increase in individuals with respiratory illnesses coming to the hospital for treatment.

“After careful monitoring of data for daily and cumulative admissions at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center and in support of precautionary measures for preventing the spread of a ‘tripledemic' of flu, RSV and COVID-19, effective immediately (23 November 2022), ALL PERSONS entering Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center (LBJTMC) facilities will be required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose at all times.”

He also reinstated social distancing protocols.

This comes after health care workers in the U.S. and around the world have been warning of the tripledemic' of flu, RSV and COVID-19.  With the holiday season approaching, doctors are urging people to exercise caution to avoid a surge in common and potentially dangerous winter viruses.

The US is facing a rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with some hospitals opening extra beds to treat patients, while there are concerns about other illnesses such as flu or COVID.