The Ottawa Hospital has implemented a mandatory face mask policy in all clinical areas and waiting rooms in response to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. The hospital made the announcement on Twitter, stating that the new requirement would take effect on September 11th and remain in place for the duration of the respiratory virus season. The purpose of this measure is to protect patients, staff, and the public from increased transmission of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV during the upcoming season. Masking will be required in various areas such as inpatient units, patient rooms, nursing stations, and ambulatory care areas. However, in non-clinical areas, masking will remain encouraged but optional. The hospital had previously relaxed masking mandates in certain public spaces over the summer, including hallways, cafeterias, elevators, and meeting rooms. However, masks were always required in patient rooms and hospital units, including the emergency department. Now, with the majority of areas requiring masks again, Ottawa-area Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital has also made masks mandatory at its two sites. Karen Kelly, a spokesperson for the hospital, emphasized that this decision was taken to proactively support safety and well-being for all patients, visitors, and members. Meanwhile, in the United States, various regions have experienced a resurgence of mandatory masking due to the emergence of COVID subvariants, such as EG.5 (or “Eris”), FL.1.45.1 (or “Fornax”), and BA.2.86. These subvariants have raised concerns about the ability to infect individuals who have been vaccinated or previously had COVID. The situation was further highlighted by First Lady Jill Biden testing positive for COVID-19, albeit with mild symptoms, prompting President Joe Biden to follow CDC guidance and wear a mask indoors and around people for a 10-day period. This development has led to speculation about a potential nationwide return to mandates and restrictions in the U.S. As evidence, a Washington, D.C., elementary school reintroduced mandatory mask requirements after three students tested positive for COVID, while other schools in Alabama and Georgia have put in place varying degrees of mask recommendations or mandates. Several large hospital groups in New York and a healthcare organization in California have also reinstated mandatory mask policies. However, there are also opposing views, as exemplified by Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio introducing the Freedom to Breathe Act, which seeks to prohibit mask mandates in various settings until the end of 2024.