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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Masking for Respiratory season 2025 – 26<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declares influenza to be prevalent in New York State for the 2025-26 influenza season. In accordance with Section 2.59 of the New York State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR
§ 2.59), all healthcare and residential facilities and agencies regulated pursuant to Article 28, 36, or 40 of the public health law, shall ensure that all personnel, as defined in the
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">regulation, not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents are typically present. This declaration shall remain in effect until the Commissioner
declares influenza no longer prevalent in New York State.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Respectfully,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Paul Suits MT (ASCP), CIC</span><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Director, Infection Prevention<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Upstate Medical University<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">(315)- 464-4178 Office<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">(315)-402-4937 Cell<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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