Overview
- Masks will be required from Nov. 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026 for anyone entering covered sites, including visitors and others accompanying patients.
- The order applies to skilled nursing facilities, areas of long‑term care with nursing services, acute and non‑acute rehabilitation centers, infusion centers and dialysis centers.
- Acceptable protection includes surgical, KN95, KF94 or N95 masks; cloth coverings or masks with unfiltered one‑way valves do not qualify, and non‑exempt violations can draw fines or jail.
- Exemptions include people with diagnosed medical or mental health conditions or disabilities preventing mask use, and individuals who need to see mouths for communication due to hearing impairment.
- Dr. Karen Smith strongly recommends current COVID‑19, flu and RSV vaccines for everyone six months and older and indoor masking when local risk is high, with the order set for annual renewal and the option to expand covered facilities as needed, a stance reported alongside recent federal vaccine guidance changes.