Following the rise of COVID-19, the flu, and RSV cases, New York health officials are strongly urging New Yorkers to wear masks. The winter season always leads to higher chances of sickness, especially in a crowded place in New York. NYC health commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan recently posted a tweet saying,  “While respiratory viruses are spreading at high levels in NYC, there are common-sense ways to protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season: vaccination, boosters, wearing a mask indoors or among crowds and staying home if you don’t feel well.” The cities’ advisory recommends masks on at all times while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Since this is only a recommendation, officials are questioning how many people will actually wear masks throughout the cold New York winter.

According to CDC Directory Rochelle Walensky, hospitalizations for the flu during this time of year are the highest they’ve been in a decade-and the numbers are still climbing. The city of Los Angeles is also looking at the possibility of setting a mask mandate, as they’ve met one of the two criteria suggested by the CDC for a mask mandate to be issued. The “Tripledemic” of COVID-19, the flu, and RSV is worrying doctors and preparing the CDC to set a completely new mask rule. Pharmaceutical companies, Moderna and Pfizer have both suggested their updated vaccines, which help fight off the Omicron variant of COVID-19.