Banner Health mandates masks during flu surge

(The Center Square) – A community activist is not happy with Banner Health mandating masks at all its facilities in Arizona during a flu surge. The mandate also applies to Banner Health's facilities in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. Banner Health, which is based in Phoenix, did not respond to The Center Square's request for comments. However, the nonprofit health care system did state in a press release that the mandate is “due to a significant surge in seasonal influenza” and is meant to protect patients. “This measure is necessary because older patients and those with immunodeficiencies are at heightened risk, and these extra precautions will help safeguard our most vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Marjorie Bessel, Banner Health chief clinical officer. “Our top priority is to protect our patients, staff, and the communities we serve by reducing the spread of the virus.” Arizona activist Lisa Everett first voiced her frustration in an emailed newsletter. She said