A county health officer in California issued an order requiring masking in acute care facilities starting on Nov. 1 in what authorities say is due to rising seasonal respiratory illnesses.
The order, which lasts until March 31 of next year, mandates the use of face masks by anyone “who are not patients in acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, surgical and maternity centers, and infusion centers such as dialysis and chemotherapy centers, during respiratory virus season.”
“These respiratory viruses can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable groups such as infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems,” said Lisa Hernandez, the Santa Cruz County public health officer, in a statement. “This order aims to reduce the spread of these viruses and protect those most at risk from severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death.”…