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For a while, we felt like we were off the hook with the COVID-19 pandemic, redirecting our attention to other about epidemics . Many of us celebrated the lifting of mask mandates and the elusive “return to normal” when the public health emergency (PHE) completed in May , but unfortunately ending PHE does not mean COVID is gone for good. Today, the number of cases and hospitalizations are rising again, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicting that the daily number of COVID-19 cases will increase. hospital admissions will accelerate until September.

Health professionals have expressed concern about new variants of COVID – and while experts can't say for sure whether they will increase infection rates, they worry about the effectiveness of current vaccines "in terms of reduce both spread and severity disease," Stephanie Silvera , PhD, an epidemiologist and professor of public health at Montclair State University, told Fox 5 NY.

“Hospitalizations have not doubled yet , but I think they probably will, because the numbers are a few weeks behind," Robert Wachter , MD, professor and chair of the department of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, told CNN. "It's riskier to get infected now than it was a month or two ago, definitely probably twice as risky."

Although the CDC has not announced any new mask mandates, some entities are taking it upon themselves to reintroduce masking policies as a safeguard. According to Wachter, "if you're trying to be careful, it's time to take the mask off again."

Silvera also addressed those who might not be quick to pick up their old masks or invest in a new N95, telling Fox 5, "As we think about the next step in terms of public health and the way to prevent further spread, unfortunately masking is something we need to consider even though most people don't want it."

Regardless of where you stand in the mask debate, you will now have to wear them — and follow other COVID-related protocols — in some places. Read on to find out where people should hide again.

RELATED: 10 COVID testing tips that make travel a whole lot easier, experts say .

According to The Democratic Press , due to a spike in COVID-19 infections in the region, Kaiser Permanente The hospital in Santa Rosa, California, has reintroduced masks. The policy applies to staff, patients and visitors.

“To ensure we are helping to protect the health and safety of our patients, staff and community, we have reintroduced a mask mandate for physicians, staff, patients, members and visitors to the hospital and medical offices in the Santa Rosa Service Area,” a company statement read, according to The Democratic Press .

The hospital also asked the public to receive the “planned COVID-19 vaccine” as soon as it becomes available.

RELATED: These are the COVID restrictions on cruises you should always follow .

A liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia also brought back masks, according to a report. Article from August 20 on the school's official Instagram.

“Effective immediately, Morris Brown College has reinstated its COVID-19 mask mandate due to positive case reports among students at University Center Atlanta,” the post read, listing seven policies in place for a two-year period. weeks.

In addition to wearing masks and following protocol for quarantine, contact tracing and symptom monitoring, the college requires students to practice "physical distancing" and follow guidelines regarding the size of gatherings.

"There will be no parties or major student events on campus for the next two weeks," the post read.

According to Syracuse.com, Upstate Medical in Syracuse, New York , again introduced mandatory masking at its two hospitals.

“Effective today, mandatory masking is required by all staff, visitors and patients in clinical areas at Upstate University Hospital, Upstate Community Hospital State and outpatient clinical spaces," read a memo sent to staff and obtained by Syracuse.com. "Clinical areas are defined as any place where patients congregate, wait, transit or receive care. Masking is strongly recommended in all non-clinical areas."

Stephane Thomas , director of global health for the upstate, told the outlet that while the numbers are constantly changing, they've noticed "an upward trend in Covid-related hospitalizations in our community."

He continued: "We are far from where we were at our busiest point, but we have more patients now than a month ago. Fortunately, we are well within our capacity. to take care of all our patients."

Syracuse.com reported that the hospital would revise its policy again in three weeks.

RELATED: 5 handwashing mistakes that can put you at risk for norovirus or the flu, doctors say .

Earlier this week, film studio Lionsgate imposed a mandatory mask mandate on certain floors of its Santa Monica office building, according to an email sent to staff and obtained before the deadline .

The policy - which is in effect until further notice, according to Deadline - was reportedly introduced after several employees tested positive for COVID.

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Contrary to multiple media reports, Rutgers University of New Brunswick in New Jersey is not among those reintroducing a mask-wearing mandate. As a spokesperson for Rutgers Dory Devlin said to Patch, Rutgers stopped demanding masks in classrooms and dormitories since October 2022, and this policy has not changed. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Masks continue to be mandatory around "vulnerable" patients at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, which is part of the university.

And for those worried about traveling with a mask, don't worry just yet. Speaking to The Associated Press (AP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rumors debunked that officials were told masks would be mandatory for staff in September and for travelers in mid-October.

The TSA has made no such statement to handlers, a spokesperson told the outlet, while a CDC spokesperson added that rumors about the return of the travel mask mandate are "completely untrue. ".