December 26, 2019
Influenza Widespread; Masking Required of Unvaccinated Healthcare Workers
Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), has issued a Declaration of Widespread Flu Incidence Statewide. This declaration triggers Rhode Island’s regulations requiring all healthcare workers who have not been immunized against influenza to wear a surgical mask during all times of direct patient contact.
Vaccination continues to be the most effective way for individuals to protect themselves and their families from a disease which kills many Rhode Islanders each year and which causes the hospitalization of hundreds. RIDOH is urging all Rhode Islanders to be immunized now for maximum protection against illness. In addition, RIDOH urges all healthcare workers and healthcare facilities to encourage hand washing and continue infection control measures.
The healthcare facilities and organizations to which the masking regulation applies are:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Adult day care programs
- Assisted living facilities
- CVS Minute Clinics
- Free-standing ambulatory care surgical centers
- Free-standing emergency care facilities
- Home care providers
- Home nursing care providers
- Hospice providers
- Hospitals
- Dialysis centers
- Nursing facilities
- Organized ambulatory care facilities
- Physician ambulatory surgery centers
Additional information and resources:
Connect with us:
Rhode Island Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill
Providence, Rhode Island 02908-5097
RIDOH Information Line: 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711
www.health.ri.gov
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Connect with us:
Rhode Island Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill
Providence, Rhode Island 02908-5097
RIDOH Information Line: 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711
www.health.ri.gov