Santa Cruz County’s chief health officer has reinstated an annual mask mandate for certain health care facilities starting in November.
Public Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez said Thursday that starting Nov. 1, all non-patients will be required to wear face masks indoors at acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, surgical and maternity centers, and infusion centers such as dialysis and chemotherapy centers.
The annual requirement is typically announced this time of year in several counties and coincides with “respiratory virus season.” It is intended to reduce the risk of serious illness, particularly among vulnerable populations, including infants, older adults, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems, according to county health officials…