Mask mandates return for some California health care workers

Mask mandates are returning for at least some California residents. Starting Nov. 1, five bay-area counties will require employees at hospitals and other health care facilities to mask up to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the flu and other seasonal viruses.

The counties included are Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Napa. Santa Clara and San Mateo will also require visitors at health care facilities to wear masks. In some places, it would be considered a misdemeanor to not wear a mask during the mandates.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, mask mandates have been a point of debate. Now, critics are weighing in on the mandates returning.

“Mask mandates are making a comeback in California. We must elect the right people to assure history doesn’t repeat itself,” Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., said .

Former President Donald Trump has been outspoken on preventing mask mandates from coming back. Earlier this year, he said he would cut funding to any school that has a vaccine or mask mandate.

Trump's running mate JD Vance filed the Freedom to Breathe Act in 2023 to stop the president or any federal official from issuing a mask requirement on domestic air travel, public transit and some schools. Congress didn’t pass the bill.

Vice President Kamala Harris has not commented recently on mask mandates.

The recent mask orders are similar to the orders issued in multiple states during last year’s cold and flu season. Those mandates were lifted once the season ended. The recent mandates are expected to end in either March or April 2025.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , wearing a mask can help lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission. However, different masks give different levels of protection.

The post Mask mandates return for some California health care workers appeared first on Straight Arrow News .