With flu and other respiratory virus cases on the rise in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, students should consider masking up at school this holiday season.
Both counties instituted mask mandates in healthcare settings as of November 1st, which includes hospitals, clinics, and nursing home facilities. “I highly recommend anyone who’s in a crowded, indoor public place to wear a mask,” Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County’s Health Officer, said. The order will expire on March 31st, 2025.
The decision was put in place to protect older and immunocompromised residents, who are considered highly vulnerable to COVID-19 and RSV.
“Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick, or if you’re worried about getting sick,” Baldwin-Santana said.
In Santa Clara County, while COVID-19 concentrations remain low, flu and RSV rates have spiked recently, as is common during the winter.
San Mateo County published its Safe Schools Respiratory Illness Framework to inform students and teachers of the suggested mask policy. “Recommendations include [students] wear a mask around others if you have respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat).”
While COVID-19 likely won’t affect most students this winter, they should continue to be wary of colds and flu. They should wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and make sure they’re up to date with their vaccinations. The CDC recommends getting a new COVID-19 booster after six months.
