NEW: Flu Now "Widespread" in RI, Dept. of Health Requiring Masks for All Healthcare Workers

NEW: Flu Now "Widespread" in RI, Dept. of Health Requiring Masks for All Healthcare Workers

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is warning that the flu is widespread in Rhode Island and that the state’s requirement for unvaccinated healthcare workers in hospitals to wear masks during patient contact has been triggered.

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

Masks Required

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Unvaccinated healthcare workers must wear masks when involved in direct patient contact at the types of facilities listed below.

Examples of direct patient contact are entering a patient’s room, serving food to patients, or participating in group patient activities.

The healthcare facilities and organizations to which the masking regulation applies are:

• 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
• Physician ambulatory surgery centers

 

Flu Vaccinations

Everyone older than 6 months of age should be vaccinated against the flu every year.

Symptoms of the flu can include a fever, cough, head and body aches, fatigue, and runny nose. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu shots are available at doctors' offices and pharmacies throughout the state.