The level of respiratory illnesses in our city has skyrocketed in recent weeks. The whole state of Texas is experiencing this seasonal rise in illness, with the CDC categorizing our state as having “very high” levels of respiratory illness. At our Houston Methodist hospitals, the story is no different with our crowded ERs and a surge of patients and employees with RSV, flu and COVID-19. To be sure you, our patients and our visitors are as safe as possible during this time, we strongly encourage wearing masks again, especially in clinical areas. Please also strongly encourage patients and visitors to do the same.
We are suggesting the consistent wearing of masks right now because, as we learned during COVID-19, masks are a proven way to keep you and our patients safe. Please understand that these temporary measures are very effective in keeping infections from spreading. If you want to keep track of respiratory illnesses in our hospitals, visit our flu tracker. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Roberta L. Schwartz
Executive Vice President
Chief Innovation Officer
Houston Methodist Hospital
Note: This e-mail was sent to every Houston Methodist physician and every Houston Methodist employee.
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