Mandatory Mask Policy Implemented at San Juan de Dios Hospital Amid Surge in Respiratory Infections
The hospital announces mandatory mask usage for visitors starting May 20 due to rising cases of respiratory viruses.
Effective May 20, visiting patients or relatives at the San Juan de Dios Hospital will require the use of face masks, a measure announced in response to an uptick in respiratory virus infections.
This decision has been communicated through the health institution's Facebook page.
María Eugenia Villalta Bonilla, the hospital director, stated that the measure aims to protect patients who may have serious health issues.
Currently, there are 22 hospitalized patients and 9 staff members diagnosed with respiratory viruses, predominantly influenza A and rhinovirus.
The San Juan de Dios Hospital is the third healthcare facility to implement a mask requirement, following similar announcements from Mexico Hospital and Calderón Guardia Hospital earlier in the month.
In addition to mandatory mask-wearing, the hospital has issued additional guidelines for visitors:
Wear a surgical mask at all times during the visit.
Wash hands upon entering and exiting the hospital.
Refrain from visiting if experiencing respiratory symptoms.
Follow coughing and sneezing protocols by covering with the elbow.
Get vaccinated against influenza if in a high-risk group.
Receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which is available regardless of risk group status.
The San Juan de Dios Hospital is also conducting influenza vaccinations in building Bansen within the hospital from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The vaccination program targets elderly individuals, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and healthcare staff.
Recent data shows a concerning rise in respiratory infections across Costa Rica.
Authorities noted that the usual peak of infections, typically starting in mid-June, has occurred earlier this year.
According to the Technical Report on the Behavior of Influenza Virus and Other Respiratory Viruses by the CCSS, there has been a reported 34.46% increase in respiratory virus cases since the end of April.
The most prevalent pathogens currently are influenza, accounting for 52.23% of the recent infections, followed by rhinoviruses at 22% and COVID-19.
As of the latest vaccination update, a total of 464,924 influenza vaccine doses have been administered, reflecting a progress rate of 31.1%.
This decision has been communicated through the health institution's Facebook page.
María Eugenia Villalta Bonilla, the hospital director, stated that the measure aims to protect patients who may have serious health issues.
Currently, there are 22 hospitalized patients and 9 staff members diagnosed with respiratory viruses, predominantly influenza A and rhinovirus.
The San Juan de Dios Hospital is the third healthcare facility to implement a mask requirement, following similar announcements from Mexico Hospital and Calderón Guardia Hospital earlier in the month.
In addition to mandatory mask-wearing, the hospital has issued additional guidelines for visitors:
Wear a surgical mask at all times during the visit.
Wash hands upon entering and exiting the hospital.
Refrain from visiting if experiencing respiratory symptoms.
Follow coughing and sneezing protocols by covering with the elbow.
Get vaccinated against influenza if in a high-risk group.
Receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which is available regardless of risk group status.
The San Juan de Dios Hospital is also conducting influenza vaccinations in building Bansen within the hospital from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The vaccination program targets elderly individuals, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and healthcare staff.
Recent data shows a concerning rise in respiratory infections across Costa Rica.
Authorities noted that the usual peak of infections, typically starting in mid-June, has occurred earlier this year.
According to the Technical Report on the Behavior of Influenza Virus and Other Respiratory Viruses by the CCSS, there has been a reported 34.46% increase in respiratory virus cases since the end of April.
The most prevalent pathogens currently are influenza, accounting for 52.23% of the recent infections, followed by rhinoviruses at 22% and COVID-19.
As of the latest vaccination update, a total of 464,924 influenza vaccine doses have been administered, reflecting a progress rate of 31.1%.
