New York State Department of Health Declares Influenza Is No Longer Prevalent In New York

Declaration Lifts Mask Mandate for Unvaccinated Health Care Worker

ALBANY, N.Y. May 8, 2024 – With cases of influenza continuing to decline in New York State, Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald is today announcing that flu is no longer prevalent in the State for the 2023-24 influenza season. The declaration rescinds the masking requirement for health care workers who are not vaccinated against flu.

"As influenza season winds down and the virus is no longer prevalent in New York, we are rescinding the masking requirement for health care workers in hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities who have not been vaccinated against flu," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "However, as the virus continues to circulate, I recommend appropriate precautions, such as staying home from work or school if you are sick to prevent spreading illness."

Commissioner McDonald declared flu prevalent in New York on December 6, 2023, which required health care personnel who were not vaccinated against influenza to wear a mask in health care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities. With flu no longer prevalent, the masking requirement has been lifted.