SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — October 26, 2026. A Santa Cruz County public health order affecting visitors and workers at certain healthcare facilities takes effect Sunday, November 1, 2026. The requirement lasts through March 31, 2027 and applies to skilled nursing facilities and infusion centers, including dialysis and chemotherapy settings.

Who is required to wear a face covering?

According to Public Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez’s October 1 order announcement, people who are not patients must wear masks indoors in the covered facilities during work, direct care or visits in patient-facing areas. This includes visitors and healthcare personnel, regardless of vaccination status.

Importantly, the county’s release states the requirement for non-patients in specific settings, rather than a blanket mask mandate for every resident, school, store or restaurant throughout Santa Cruz County. Patients should follow instructions from their own care provider and facility.

Why the seasonal order was issued

The health officer says respiratory-virus indicators, including wastewater data, were already increasing. Officials are aiming to protect people at higher risk of serious respiratory illness during the fall and winter. County health materials separately provide current vaccine recommendations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV according to eligibility and clinical advice.

Visitors planning appointments after November 1 should ask the facility about its procedures before arrival. Original source: Santa Cruz County health officer announcement, October 1. County health guidance is at santacruzhealth.org/respiratoryviruses.

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