The Mask Mandate is Back; Three New Jersey Hospitals Require Face Coverings

The Mask Mandate is Back; Three New Jersey Hospitals Require Face Coverings

HACKENSACK, NJ — Hackensack Meridian Health has reinstated mask mandates at three of its facilities, requiring all staff, patients, and visitors to wear face coverings.

The mask policy, which was announced on the organization’s website, went into effect on Monday. No specific reason was provided for the reinstatement of the mask requirement. The mandate applies to Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, Old Bridge Medical Center, and Carrier Clinic in Belle Mead.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a steady increase in COVID-19 cases in New Jersey, although the infection risk is categorized as ‘low.’ Earlier this month, Shore Medical Center in Somers Point and Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May County also reinstated their mask mandates.