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Oct. 1, 2024
For Immediate Release
[CORRECTED] Health Officer Directs Skilled Nursing Facility Personnel & Visitors to Wear Masks during Respiratory Virus Season
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San Mateo – 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.”
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