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‘Tripledemic’ of COVID, flu, RSV: Threat to return-to-office policies (& holiday parties)

While public health officials are urging masks in Los Angeles, New York City and other areas, employers across the U.S. might encourage employees to stay home if they are not feeling well and are symptomatic, recommend experts.

By Alan Goforth | December 20, 2022 at 12:05 AM
Two young professionals wearing masks sit at a desk talking. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people living in areas with a high risk of COVID infection wear masks indoors. Right now, that’s about 9% of U.S. counties. (Credit: rostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Although the term “tripledemic” sounds like something out of science fiction, it is a growing threat nationwide just as many employees are adjusting to returning to the office. As the name implies, the tripledemic refers to three respiratory viruses — RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), the flu and COVID – and it’s threatening lives, as well return-to-work policies.

Infections have surged in several parts of the nation. Los Angeles County officials are considering reinstating an indoor mask mandate, including for shared office space and manufacturing settings, after COVID cases spiked recently. Case levels also are high in New York City. In Washington state, 25 hospital executives and 12 county health officers have asked residents to mask indoors. The Oregon Health Authority has asked people to protect children and older adults by wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces.

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