Patients, visitors, and staff at several Rhode Island and Massachusetts medical facilities are now required to wear masks at all times due to an uptick in respiratory virus cases in the area.

Brown University Health announced that the healthcare system would move to "respiratory virus status red" starting Jan. 6, warning patients to take proper precautions against the flu and other illnesses at its hospitals and offices.

Brown University Health's facilities include Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's, The Miriam Hospital, and Newport Hospital in Rhode Island, as well as Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital in Massachusetts.

The healthcare system had previously moved to "respiratory virus status yellow" on Dec. 18, 2025, which required masks only during direct interactions between patients, staff, and visitors. Under the new guidance, masks are required regardless of interactions.

See more at heraldnews.com.