Masks mandates in well being care settings return to some Bay Space counties

Some Bay Space counties beginning this week have required masks once more in sure indoor settings because of the resurgence of respiratory diseases similar to COVID, flu and RSV.

The masks mandates are for particular settings associated to well being and medical care, particularly docs’ workplaces, clinics and hospitals.

Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Sonoma counties are requiring well being care employees to masks up at work. Santa Clara County is mandating face coverings not just for well being care employees but additionally for sufferers and guests.

The masks mandates aren’t a shocking or sudden change. Earlier this 12 months, these counties had introduced they’d require face coverings in response to the respiratory sickness season.

After a slight summer time surge, COVID-19 instances have been dropping throughout the state and nation. In late August, the state’s check positivity fee reached 13%, its highest stage because the summer time of 2022, however has since dropped to six.5% as of Oct. 27.

Many well being specialists, nevertheless, count on a swell in instances this winter, as has occurred annually because the pandemic started.

The mandates are anticipated to final till spring.