All heath care personnel who see patients in Sonoma County will be required to wear masks from November through April, according to a county news release issued Tuesday.
The order by Dr. Karen Smith, the county’s interim health officer, goes into effect Nov. 18 and lasts through April 30.
“Each year, we see that higher rates of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses that can cause severe respiratory infections occur between late fall and spring,” Smith said. “Influenza and other seasonal respiratory viruses infect tens of millions in the United States each year and can result in serious medical outcomes, including hospitalizations and death.”
Smith’s order applies to all employees working in patient care areas regardless of their vaccination status, the county said, adding that it also applies to businesses with health care delivery facilities.
Smith said she recommends everyone who is eligible get updated COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines to protect them against respiratory illnesses over the winter. She also recommends people wear masks indoors when risk levels are high.
