Health Commissioner Declares Influenza Is No Longer Prevalent
On May 18th, NYS Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner James McDonald, MD, MPH, declared that influenza is no longer prevalent for the 2022-23 influenza season. Thus, personnel working in member provider organizations including nursing homes, adult day health care (ADHC) programs, hospice, and home care – including home care staff of assisted living programs (ALPs) – no longer have to wear a mask if not vaccinated against influenza while in areas where patients or residents may be present. Members are reminded that the requirement will go back into effect when the Commissioner declares influenza prevalent again. LeadingAge NY appreciates this update, as we had been inquiring with the Department regarding the status of this requirement, most recently in this letter to the Commissioner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the regulation and other resources are available here. Questions can be directed to DOH at FluMaskReg@health.ny.gov.
Providers that are held to this regulation are reminded that the regulation also requires the submission of the Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination Report due June 1st; click here for more information.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828