San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana issued a local health order directing health care workers in patient care areas of health care facilities to wear face masks starting Nov. 1. According to the San Mateo County Government, the intention of the mandate is to reduce the risk of infection among health care personnel and to prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses to vulnerable patients.
Respiratory virus season typically runs from late fall to spring, during which there is an increased rate of COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other viral infections that can cause severe respiratory disease. This period presents a particular risk to infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, such as those in the care of health care facilities.
Health care facilities under this order include hospitals, dialysis centers, infusion centers, skilled nursing facilities, and portions of long-term care facilities where nursing care is provided. The order applies to both paid and unpaid personnel, as well as other professionals, but does not apply to patients, visitors, or those with medical or mental health conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a mask.
The definition of a "face mask" under this order excludes cloth masks, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, bandanas, turtlenecks, collars, and any mask with an unfiltered one-way exhaust valve. Instead, the order specifies that surgical masks, KN95, KF94, or N95 masks that are well-fitted and cover the nose and mouth are required.
San Mateo County Health urges residents aged six months and older to get their seasonal flu vaccines and updated COVID-19 shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise receiving both vaccines at the same time, with no cost for those with insurance. Pharmacies also offer free COVID-19 shots to residents without insurance, and residents without health coverage may contact County Health to access flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost, as per the San Mateo County Government.
