Masking Order For SMC Healthcare Workers Returns In November

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Healthcare workers in San Mateo County will be required to wear masks in all patient care areas starting in November with respiratory virus activity expected to ramp up for the fall and winter.

Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, the county's health officer, announced the order Wednesday to take effect on Nov. 1, applying to all personnel at hospitals and other facilities. Officials said the order will not apply to patients, visitors, or people with conditions that prevent wearing a mask.

"Well fitted masks worn by health care personnel rescue both the risk of infection for these workers and the risk of transmitting respiratory viruses to patients and residents," Baldwin-Santana said. "Masks are essential in patient care areas when seasonal risk of exposure to one or multiple viruses is at its highest."

The health officer notes that local data show higher rates of COVID-19, influenza, ESV and other viral infections each year from late fall to early spring.

Facilities covered by the order include hospitals, dialysis centers, infusion centers, skilled nursing facilities and areas of long-term care facilities where nursing care is available. In those facilities, staffers will be required to wear masks in lobbies, waiting rooms, exam rooms and patient wings, along with elevators and hallways accessible to patients. Masks will not be required in offices, staff areas, or other areas not being used to administer health care.

The order mandates surgical masks, KN95, KF94 and N95 masks that are well-fitted and cover the nose and mouth.

The county also recommends all residents consider getting their seasonal flu shots and updated COVID-19 boosters in the coming weeks.