From Nov. 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, everyone in patient care areas of Santa Clara County skilled nursing facilities must wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status. Exemptions are listed in the order. Patients themselves are not required to mask.
The order was dated Sept. 25 and took effect Oct. 1. It rescinds the county's March 2023 order, which had covered all health care delivery facilities. Hospitals and clinics are now only asked to set their own masking policies based on local respiratory-virus data.
Under the order, a qualifying face mask means a surgical mask, KN95, KF94 or N95. Cloth masks, bandanas and masks with exhaust valves don't count.