San Mateo County, CA
10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 15:35
[CORRECTED] Health Officer Directs Skilled Nursing Facility Personnel & Visitors to Wear Masks during Respiratory Virus Season
October 1, 2024
Redwood City -San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana today issued a local health order requiring health care personnel and visitors in patient care areas of skilled nursing facilities to wear face masks. Effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2024, the order applies to all facility personnel, workers and visitors, including patients' family members. The order does not apply to patients or to individuals with medical or mental health conditions or disability that prevents wearing a mask.
Annually, between late fall and spring, San Mateo County data show higher rates of COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viral infections that can cause severe respiratory disease. This seasonal increase in circulation of multiple respiratory viruses presents a particular risk - including severe disease and death - to infants, older adults and people with impaired immune systems.
According to the order, "The seasonal surges also risk overwhelming the existing health care system in the county, jeopardizing the capacity to provide care for these and other diseases. The risk to vulnerable patients of any of these viral illnesses in health care settings, especially skilled nursing facilities, remains significant."
Within skilled nursing facilities, the order applies only to patient care areas, such as patients' rooms, lobbies, waiting rooms, examination rooms, patient wings, elevators and hallways used by patients. It does not apply to administrative offices or staff break areas that are only accessible to facility personnel or to cafeterias or gift shops that are not used for the provision of health care.
Respiratory virus season runs from November 1 to March 31, though the health officer may adjust the dates of the order based on respiratory virus surveillance data.
The full text of the order is available here.
County Health urges residents six months and olderto get the seasonal flu vaccine and the newest COVID-19 shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time.
Vaccines are available from health care providers and local pharmacies at no cost for those with insurance. Many pharmacies offer free COVID-19 to residents without insurance - call or check pharmacy websites to learn more. To find flu and COVID-19 vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov, then call or visit provider websites to make an appointment.
For uninsured and under-insured residents, no-cost flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from County Health's local community partners. No appointments, insurance or ID are needed. See the times and locations here.
Media Contact
Preston Merchant
County Health
650-867-1661