GRANGER, Ind. -- Beacon Health System is now requiring masking when visiting patients at all hospital locations.

Beacon has hospitals in St. Joseph County, Elkhart County, Marshall County, LaPorte County and St. Joseph County, MI.

The health system says this change is due to the increase of respiratory illness in the community.

Masks are required for all hospital visitors when interacting with patients and in other areas with most vulnerable patients.

Only two masked visitors are allowed per patient at one time.

Masks are optional at Beacon Medical Group, outpatient care offices, clinics, business offices and fitness centers. Masks should be worn if asked by a patient or staff member.

Beacon will provide masks for visitors at its locations.

Here are viral numbers from the past week, at all area medical locations, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Indiana Department of Health.

COVID-19:

• St. Joseph County: 46 new hospitalizations 
• Elkhart County: 22 new hospitalizations
• Marshall County: 46 new hospitalizations
• LaPorte County: 3 new hospitalizations
• St. Joseph County, MI: 28 new hospitalizations

Flu:

• 2,329 people reporting symptoms of influenza in current week

RSV:

• Average of 41 new PCR detections in Indiana as of 12/9/23