As fall creeps in and respiratory virus season draws closer, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez has issued a health order, effective Nov. 1, that requires face masks indoors in acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, surgical and maternity centers and infusion centers for treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy.
The order extends to all staff and visitors within the facilities regardless of their vaccination status, and will last through March 31, 2025. The county issued a similar order last fall, but did not include visitors.
“These respiratory viruses can lead to severe illness especially among certain groups such as infants, older adults, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system,” said Hernandez in a media release. “This order is issued to curb the spread of these viruses to vulnerable populations and minimize the risk of severe illness and death.”
Jurisdictions across the country see flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases increase in prevalence between the fall and spring every year, with the expectation that it will remain an annual occurrence.
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