(a) Influenza is an unpredictable disease that can cause serious illnesses, death, and healthcare disruption during any given year. Recent influenza seasons in New York State have been worse than those experienced a decade ago.

(b) In response to this increased public health threat, New York must take active steps to prevent and control transmission of seasonal influenza. The seriousness of the continuing influenza threat and the failure of the health care system to achieve acceptable vaccination rates through voluntary programs necessitate further action.

(c) Although masks are not as effective as vaccination, evidence indicates that wearing a surgical or procedure mask will lessen transmission of influenza from patients experiencing respiratory symptoms. It is also known that persons incubating influenza may shed the influenza virus before they have noticeable symptoms of influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that patients who may have an infectious respiratory illness wear a mask when not in isolation and that healthcare personnel wear a mask when in close contact with symptomatic patients. Further, the Infectious Disease Society of America recommends that healthcare personnel who are not vaccinated for influenza wear masks.

(d) Recently, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) adopted regulations at 10 NYCRR section 2.59 to require all unvaccinated personnel in certain health settings to wear surgical or procedure masks during the time when the Commissioner of Health determines that influenza is prevalent. Specifically, the DOH regulations apply to general hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic and treatment centers, certified home health agencies, long term home health care programs, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) home care programs, licensed home care service agencies, limited licensed home care service agencies and hospices (licensed by DOH under Public Health Law, articles 28, 36 and 40).

(e) It is critical for the Office of Mental Health to join in a statewide effort to reduce the morbidity and mortality of influenza, by combining efforts and pursuing a common path of prevention and intervention.