Health Officer orders masks in patient care areas to curb respiratory viruses in San Mateo County during winter
San Mateo County, California – San Mateo County’s Health Officer, Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, has issued a new health order requiring all staff members in skilled nursing homes to wear face masks in patient care areas in response to the higher risk of respiratory infections during the colder months. Set to be implemented at 12:01 a.m., starting November 1, 2024, this measure is meant to protect the healthcare professionals and their vulnerable patients from the surge of diseases including COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
The mandate does not cover patients, residents, or visitors; it only affects all employees—paid and unpaid —in these facilities. Those with some physical or mental health issues or disabilities that prevent mask wear are also exempt.
From late fall to spring, San Mateo County historically shows a notable increase in instances of respiratory viruses. According to county statistics, these cyclical seasons raise higher risk of serious respiratory infections that can be especially harmful for elderly, infants, and people with compromised immune systems. Dr. Baldwin-Santana in the order underlined that these periodic illnesses might seriously tax the capacity of the healthcare system to control these viruses but also other forms of illness.
The Health Office of San Mateo County claims that the readiness and preventative actions determine the health and safety of the vulnerable groups in the county. Protecting the local community depends critically on masking in patient care locations during the virus season. The directive limits mask wearing to areas directly related to patient care, including hallways, patient wings, lobby areas, and exam rooms. This order does not cover non-patient care locations including administrative offices and staff break areas.
The mask requirement is going to last through the usual season for respiratory viruses, which runs from November 1 to March 30. Changes to these dates, however, could be made depending on ongoing surveillance data on virus distribution inside the county.
Apart from the masking requirement, San Mateo County Health is urging residents to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines. For individuals with insurance, vaccinations are free of cost; many local pharmacies also offer free vaccinations to uninsured individuals. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending that individuals receive both the flu and the latest COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously if possible.
The county has teamed with nearby community health organizations to provide no-cost vaccinations to residents without insurance or those under-insured. These guarantee that everyone gets the chance to protect themselves throughout the forthcoming virus season regardless of their insurance coeverage, ID, or appointment schedule.
Residents seeking further information about vaccination locations should visit this website; alternatively, they should check local health care providers and pharmacy websites. The full text of the health order, along with details on the mask mandate and vaccine recommendations, can be found on the San Mateo County Health Department’s website.
