Sonoma County’s Public Health Officer has issued an order requiring all health care facility staff in patient-facing areas to wear masks. Accordingly, Sonoma Valley Hospital is instituting a new mask policy requiring masks in all patient-care areas, including the lobby, beginning on Monday, October 30, 2023.
Masks are also now required for visitors and during any in-person indoor meetings at the Sonoma Valley Hospital campus.
“Last fall and winter showed us how the confluence of various respiratory viruses can produce a significant increase in the burden of respiratory illness in our community,” said Dr. Sujatha Sankaran, SVH Chief Medical Officer.
Preventing transmission through masks is a key mechanism for decreasing the risk, she said.
SVH also recommends that members of the Sonoma Valley community receive the updated COVID vaccine booster and an annual flu shot. The COVID booster is for all individuals over the age of 6 months who do not have contraindications. If feasible, COVID booster and flu shot should be staggered to avoid cumulative side effects from the shots.
“We know that mask and vaccination fatigue are real phenomena, but as we step into fall and winter, these preventive measures can save us considerable suffering,” Dr. Sankaran said.
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