Mask mandate reinstated in NYC public hospitals; 3 S.I. zip codes have most COVID hospitalizations, deaths

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York City public hospital system is reinstating mask requirements in the wake of a rise in COVID, flu and other respiratory illnesses, multiple media outlets are reporting.

The mandate, which went into effect just after Christmas, applies to anyone entering New York H+H hospitals, community health centers and nursing homes, the Daily News reported.

Citywide data shows that COVID hospitalizations have been climbing, with 106 hospitalizations as of Dec. 20. The neighborhoods in the city with the most hospitalized residents are East New York in Brooklyn, Mott Haven/Port Morris in the Bronx and Silver Lake/St. George on Staten Island, the report said.

In fact, three Staten Island-based zip codes: 10301 Silver Lake/St. George; 10304 New Dorp/Todt Hill; and 10310 Port Richmond/Randall Manor/West Brighton, show the highest numbers of recent hospitalizations and death, according to The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said Wednesday the mask requirement is for areas of the hospital where patients are being treated, ABC7 reported.

Vasan said also it is partially to protect the staff from incoming sickness as the numbers of patient cases rise. City hospitals are currently handling patient levels well and none are overwhelmed, the report said.