Staff Masking Required in Higher-Risk Healthcare Settings beginning November 1st

The fall and winter of 2022-2023 saw substantial waves of RSV, flu and COVID-19, and a similar pattern is expected this year. To combat the spread of these viruses to vulnerable patients and residents and minimize the associated risk of severe illness and death, Staff and other workers in specified Health Care Facilities (HCFs) in Alameda County are required to wear high-quality, well-fitting masks in patient care areas from November 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024, regardless of vaccination status (see attached Order). Alameda County is aligning with health jurisdictions across the Bay Area in implementing this policy. HCFs in the City of Berkeley are NOT covered by this Order and should follow City of Berkeley guidance.

The following HCFs are covered by this Order: General Acute Care Hospitals, Long Term Acute Care Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Dialysis Centers, and Infusion Centers.

This Order does not require patients, residents, or visitors to wear masks, although masks are strongly recommended for everyone in all health care settings, including Staff in health care settings not covered by this Order.

Order No. 23-02 (requiring Staff in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to wear masks in patient care areas) that went into effect on April 3, 2023 remains in effect at this time.

Order No. 20-16b (SUSPENDED 9/20/2023) (requiring Health Care Workers in specified facilities to receive annual flu vaccinations or wear masks) is suspended, effective September 20, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. in Alameda County. The Order remains in effect in the City of Berkeley at this time.

Please see Order No. 23-03 for detailed information.