New York Ends Flu Mask Mandate for Healthcare Workers

The New York State Department of Health announced Monday that the flu is no longer prevalent in the state, lifting the mask requirement for unvaccinated healthcare workers.

The decision comes as influenza cases continue to decline across New York.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald made the announcement, stating, “As influenza season winds down and the flu virus is no longer prevalent in New York, we are lifting the longstanding masking requirement for health care workers in hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities who chose not to get their annual flu shot.”

The masking requirement for unvaccinated healthcare workers in regulated facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities was initially put in place on December 18, 2024.

However, Dr. McDonald emphasized the importance of continued precautions, recommending “appropriate precautions, such as performing good hand hygiene and staying home from work or school if you are sick to prevent spreading illness.”