Commissioner Declares Influenza No Longer Prevalent

The State Commissioner of Health has declared that influenza is no longer prevalent. This ends the period of time during which the “flu mask” regulation is activated. This regulation requires that certain workers that have direct contact with your residents/patients wear a mask if they have not been vaccinated for the current influenza season. The requirement applies to home care, nursing home, hospice, clinic and hospital settings. Since the requirement includes home care, assisted living programs must also adhere to the regulations for their home care staff. The declaration is in effect until the commissioner declares that influenza is no longer prevalent; click here for the official notice from the commissioner. Click here for more information about the requirement. Questions about the regulations can be directed to DOH at FluMaskReg@health.ny.gov.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828