In response to the escalating cases of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza, health officials in Sonoma County have issued a new health order mandating the use of masks by healthcare workers in patient care settings. Simultaneously, authorities in Mendocino County, a coastal community in northern California, have announced similar measures to safeguard public health.
Sonoma County's health order, issued on Tuesday, imposes a requirement for health care workers involved in patient care to wear masks. This directive also extends to employers and operators of healthcare delivery facilities, urging them to promote seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations among their staff.
In Mendocino County, the mask mandate for healthcare workers in patient-care settings will be effective from November 24 until April 30, beginning in 2024, it will be in effect from October 24 through April 30. This decision aligns with historical data indicating a surge in infection rates for COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses during late fall and spring, posing increased risks to vulnerable populations.
The order also references the precedent of requiring health care workers to either receive the flu vaccine or wear masks, a practice in place since 2017. It addresses community concerns and confusion stemming from the pandemic and the lifting of state and federal masking mandates.
Dr. Andrew Coren, Mendocino County's health officer, emphasized the importance of these precautions, particularly during the first flu season coinciding with COVID. The mask mandate applies to a wide range of healthcare professionals, encompassing nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students, trainees, contract staff, and those indirectly involved in patient care but exposed to infectious agents in healthcare settings.
Amidst the backdrop of a noticeable surge in COVID-19 cases and concerning key indicators such as hospital admissions, the emergence of new variants remains a persistent concern. As the fall season approaches, the potential for an increase in cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other respiratory illnesses underscores the need for these precautionary measures to protect both healthcare workers and patients.
