'Widespread' Flu Triggers Mask Provision For RI Health Facilities

EAST PROVIDENCE, MA – Unvaccinated healthcare workers in Rhode Island hospitals and other healthcare facilities will be required to wear masks during direct contact with patients after the Rhode Island Department of Health announced that the flu is now "widespread" in the state. The announcement triggers the masking requirement whenever unvaccinated workers enter a patient's room, serve food to patients or participate in group patient activities.

The requirement also applies to Emergency Medical Services workers who have not been vaccinated against the flu. Officials recommend all healthcare workers, and residents in general, get a flu vaccination.

RI DOH officials said everyone older than 6 months of age should be vaccinated against the flu every year. In addition to healthcare workers, vaccination is particularly important for pregnant women, younger children, people over the age of 50, nursing home or group home residents and people with chronic conditions, such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, anemia, blood disorders or weakened immune systems. Flu shots are available at doctors' offices and pharmacies throughout Rhode Island.

"The masking requirement helps protect healthcare workers from catching the flu, and helps protect patients who are often dealing with other serious health issues," said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott. "For people who have not been vaccinated yet, it is not too late. Flu vaccination is the single best way to keep yourself and the people you love safe from the flu. Getting vaccinated today will still provide you with months of protection."

The RI DOH said that flu levels in the state are in line with many others experiencing widespread flu this time of year, including Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Facilities that fall under the masking requirement include: 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, kidney treatment centers, nursing facilities, organized ambulatory care facilities and physician ambulatory surgery centers.

Flu symptoms that are not severe can often be diagnosed and treated through urgent care facilities and primary-care physicians. Severe cases should be seen at an emergency room. RI DOH officials said signs of a severe case include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest and symptoms that briefly improve, then return with fever and worsening.