As of April 4, 2023, face coverings are no longer required outside of the newly designated winter respiratory virus season (November 1 through March 31).
A memorandum released by Sara Cody, MD, Public Health Officer on March 24 confirms this information as shown below.
"In light of the evolving state of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as historical data showing higher rates of COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections annually between late fall and spring, I have issued an updated order. This order rescinds the prior universal requirements for face coverings in higher-risk settings and now requires the use of face masks in patient care areas of healthcare delivery facilities during the respiratory virus season. The important changes are as follows:
The new order applies only to healthcare facilities rather than higher-risk settings (which included congregate shelters and custodial settings).
The new order applies only during the designated winter respiratory virus season, defined as November 1 – March 31, unless the Health Officer changes the dates by posting a Health Advisory on the Public Health Department’s website.
The new order requires a surgical mask or higher level of protection for all persons in patient care areas. Healthcare delivery facilities are required to provide compliant face masks to all persons entering patient care areas who do not have one.
Use of face masks continues to be strongly recommended outside of the designated winter respiratory virus season if local and internal data indicate current circulating levels of respiratory viruses may pose a risk to patients or to healthcare operations.
The updated order will go into effect on April 4. The Order will also rescind two prior orders, including my September 12, 2022 Order requiring the use of face coverings in higher-risk settings and my July 24, 2012 Order requiring healthcare workers who have not been vaccinated for influenza to wear masks."
The updated public health order is available here.
We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 408-871-0877
Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.
Sincerely,
Bhavana Thakur, D.D.S and staff