Visitors to Rochester Regional Health facilities including Canton-Potsdam, Massena and Gouverneur hospitals and health clinics will need to  wear masks for the next month due to increased respiratory illness, according to a statement published Tuesday by the healthcare organization. 

Rochester Regional Health is now requiring all patients, visitors, and team members to wear masks in all clinical settings, as of 7 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30. 

Clinical settings include acute care hospitals, ambulatory practices, and extended care, including long-term care and home care.

Masks will be available at all locations. 

A statement from the health organization states that the requirement will remain in place for about one month, and  “we will monitor conditions closely and adjust the requirement as soon as safety allows.”

“We know masking is not easy, and we appreciate your cooperation to keep our patients safe, many of whom are medically vulnerable, and to support one another during a demanding season,” a representative from RRH said.

According to data for the week ending Dec. 20 the New York State Department of Health, respiratory illness cases remain on the rise statewide, with hospitalizations for influenza and RSV also increasing from the previous week. 

In St. Lawrence County, flu remains the most prevalent respiratory illness, with more than 40 confirmed cases per 100,000 people. 

Flu cases statewide increased to 71,123 from 51,365, a 38% change. 

Lab-confirmed cases of RSV also increased, rising 25% from 3,932 to 4,904. 

Hospitalizations from flu rose 63% from the previous week, with 3,666 admissions for the illness. The current prevalent strain of flu is Influenza A, with 95% of those cases being Influenza A/H3. 

Practices that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness include immunizations, handwashing and hygiene, and staying home when you are sick.