While Missouri is a free state that lets individuals decide whether or not to wear masks, other states take it upon themselves to mandate mask-wearing, especially in public health facilities. Although it is winter and flu season is upon us, both coasts have decided that viruses are deadly, and all personnel must wear masks.
New Jersey
Are you going east? RSV and the flu are on the rise. So RWJBarnabas Health, the largest hospital system in New Jersey, announced a mask mandate for all staff, patients, and visitors in its hospitals. This applies to everyone, whether or not they have had the vaccine.
At outpatient and medical group facilities, masks are now “strongly encouraged” for all providers, staff, visitors, and vendors whenever they are in the presence of patients.
New York
Meanwhile, healthcare staffers in New York State who have not been vaccinated against the flu must wear masks when working in areas where patients or residents are typically present.
New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald said in a statement:
The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against infection and will lessen the symptoms if you get sick [1].
He wants everyone from six months old and older to get the vaccines.
California
Not all of California is under a mask mandate yet. Those who are in the San Francisco area.
In Alameda, Berkeley, Contra Costa County, and Napa County, staff and other workers in certain healthcare facilities are required to wear masks in patient care areas, which are strongly recommended for others and elsewhere to protect patients.
In San Francisco, anyone working in “skilled nursing facilities” must wear a well-fitted mask when in the same room as patients or residents. In San Mateo and Santa Clara, the mandate also applies to visitors to patient care areas, including patients’ family members and staff.
Missouri
While Missouri is not under any mandate, if you plan a trip to any of these areas, be aware of what the medical facilities will impress on you should anything happen or if you plan to visit anyone.
Notes:
- ^ {Maps Show Where Mask Mandates Are Returning Across US} (go back ↩)
