New York declares flu prevalent, requiring masks for some health workers

New York declared flu prevalent, triggering mask requirements for unvaccinated health care personnel in patient areas.

NEW YORK — It’s flu season, and flu cases are on the rise across New York State.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald on Tuesday declared that influenza is prevalent in the state.  The state is now requiring that unvaccinated health care personnel wear masks in areas where patients and residents may be present.

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“The declaration that flu is prevalent across the state means health care facilities and agencies must require that personnel who are not vaccinated against the flu wear a mask to avoid exposing patients and residents to the flu virus,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a press release. “The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against infection and lessens symptoms if you get the flu. I encourage everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot, and it’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

The declaration includes health care and residential care facilities and agencies regulated by the State Health Department. Under the rules, personnel who have not received this season’s flu vaccine must wear surgical or procedure masks while influenza is considered prevalent in New York. The regulations will allow masks to be removed when workers accompany patients in the community, provide speech therapy services, or communicate with people who lip read.

State data through Nov. 22 show 17,783 positive flu cases have been reported across all 62 counties so far this season. Outside New York City, lab-confirmed flu cases rose 114% week over week, increasing from 1,688 to 3,619. In New York City, cases climbed 119%, rising from 1,890 to 4,146.

Hospitalizations due to influenza increased 99%, up from 208 the previous week to 413 statewide.

Health officials urged New Yorkers last month to get the seasonal flu vaccine to prevent influenza-associated child deaths. During the 2024-2025 season, 27 deaths in children younger than 18 were reported.