Mask mandates are returning to healthcare facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area of California as cold and flu season approaches. Beginning on Nov. 1 and extending through March 31 or April 30, 2025, face masks will be required in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other health care settings to help prevent the spread of flu, COVID, and other seasonal illnesses.
These mandates, issued by several Bay Area counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Napa, apply to health care workers. However, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties are also requiring visitors to wear masks, and Santa Clara is extending the requirement to patients as well.
Health care facilities affected by the orders include hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dialysis centers, and infusion centers. While Santa Clara County will exempt children under age 2 and individuals with medical conditions that make mask-wearing difficult, critics have still voiced opposition to the mandates.
Last year, similar health orders were issued during the cold and flu season to help curb the spread of illnesses. In response to a spike in COVID-19 cases and influenza infections, several New York City public hospitals reinstated mask mandates, which were later lifted at the end of flu season.
It is essential to follow these mandates to protect both health care workers and patients from getting sick during the upcoming winter months. Staying vigilant and following these guidelines can help reduce the spread of illnesses and keep our communities safe.