PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – UPMC announced via social media that starting Wednesday, masking at all hospitals and outpatient areas is mandatory. From RSV to the flu, to COVID-19, respiratory illnesses and the rate at which they’re infecting people have taken center stage. “We keep hearing about things called the tripledemic because we have these three pretty nasty viruses that can all cause significant disease and lead to hospitalization,” said Doctor Todd Wolynn. He says the viruses tend to hit the elderly, immunocompromised and kids under the age of one the hardest. UPMC says it closely monitors the spread of respiratory illness in healthcare settings, and is why the healthcare provider decided to make masking mandatory again. Allegheny Health Network says it hasn’t issued a mask mandate but that they are strongly encouraged in AHN facilities.