Effective November 1, 2024, this order requires health care personnel and visitors in patient care areas of skilled nursing facilities to wear face masks during the period deemed the designated winter respiratory virus period (November 1 to March 31) by the health officer, with limited exemptions. The health officer may adjust the dates of the designated winter respiratory virus period based on respiratory virus surveillance data.

The order applies to all facility personnel, workers and visitors, including patients’ family members. The order does not apply to patients or to individuals with medical or mental health conditions or disability that prevents wearing a mask.

Within skilled nursing facilities, the order applies only to patient care areas, such as patients’ rooms, lobbies, waiting rooms, examination rooms, patient wings, elevators and hallways used by patients. It does not apply to administrative offices or staff break areas that are only accessible to facility personnel or to cafeterias or gift shops that are not used for the provision of health care.

Read the full text of the order:
HO Order No. F24-1