ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.-- On Wednesday, Beacon Health System made an announcement regarding masking enforcement at five Beacon Health System Hospitals around the area.

As of Wednesday, visitors are strongly advised to wear a mask when in direct contact with hospitalized patients due to an increase in respiratory illnesses including COVID, RSV, and flu.

Beacon recommends visitors wear masks at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Elkhart General Hospital, Beacon Granger Hospital, Community Hospital of Bremen, and Three Rivers Health Hospital.

The Beacon Health System will take measures to provide masks at our hospitals and monitor illness data across Michiana to determine prevention practices at all our locations.

It is important for visitors to take precautions to protect those who are hospitalized.