A California county is reinstating mask requirements in certain health care facilities, citing concerns over rising respiratory illness cases as cooler weather begins.
Officials in Santa Clara County announced Tuesday that masks will again be mandatory in hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities starting October 15. The mandate applies to both staff and visitors in areas where patients are present, such as waiting rooms, exam rooms, and inpatient wards. The rule will remain in effect through the winter season, with health leaders warning that COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are likely to increase in circulation.
County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody emphasized that the measure is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, including elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions. “We are entering a time of year when respiratory viruses thrive, and masks are a simple, effective tool to prevent transmission in spaces where patients may be at higher risk,” Cody said in a statement.
While California lifted most mask mandates earlier in the year, some counties have retained or reinstated targeted rules for high-risk environments. Santa Clara County officials say they decided to act early after recent data showed a modest uptick in hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses compared to last month.
The renewed requirement comes amid a broader regional push to bolster protections in health care settings. Neighboring San Mateo County recently issued a similar indoor masking order, and several Bay Area hospitals have independently adopted seasonal mask policies.
Hospital administrators said they expect compliance to be straightforward, especially since many staff members have continued voluntary masking. “We saw the benefits masks brought during the pandemic—not just for COVID, but for flu prevention,” said Dr. Monica Gibbs, chief medical officer at Valley Medical Center. “This is a precautionary measure that could save lives.”
County leaders stressed that the order is temporary and will be revisited in early spring. In the meantime, they are encouraging residents to get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Among residents, reactions are varied. Some express fatigue with recurring mandates, feeling that vaccination status should permit personal choice.
“I think it’s dumb,” Chris Nuland, a San Jose preschool worker, said while wearing a mask. “The mandate is a little overboard at this point.”
Dr. Robert Malone, known for his early work on mRNA vaccine technology, has publicly claimed that face masks are largely ineffective at preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. He has cited the Cochrane review—a meta-analysis published in early 2023—as evidence, arguing that it “settled” the debate on mask-wearing by concluding that masks made “little or no difference” in reducing the spread of infections. Malone has further warned about the potential adverse effects of masks on health and development, especially for children, in opinion pieces and interviews.
