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Limited use of masks has again been mandated in health facilities in the United States (US). This mandate comes amid concerns about the re-increase in Covid-19 cases.
Earlier this week, Contra Costa, Sonoma and San Mateo counties in California issued mask requirements for health facilities in those counties.
"This order requires all personnel in Patient Care Areas in Health Care Delivery Facilities to wear Face Masks during periods deemed to be Health Official Designated Winter Respiratory Virus Periods, with limited exceptions," the San Mateo County Department of Health said in a release, as quoted by Newsweek, Saturday (23/9/2023).
Contra Costa County and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services also issued similar announcements, requiring masks for health care workers starting November 1.
But a spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Health Department said the mask mandate is only for staff members at medical care centers. This will not apply to visitors or patients.
"Each year we see higher rates of influenza, Covid-19, and other respiratory viruses that can cause severe respiratory infections occurring annually between late fall and spring," said Dr. Karen Smith, Sonoma County Health Officer.