R.I. Dept. of Health: Flu widespread; unvaccinated health workers must wear masks

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health has deemed the flu widespread in Rhode Island and are ordering all health care workers in the state who have not been vaccinated to wear masks while caring for patients.

Officials said they hope this will prevent workers from catching the flu while also protecting patients.

The unvaccinated workers are required to where the masks at the facilities below:

• Adult day care programs
• Assisted living facilities
• CVS Minute Clinics
• Free-standing ambulatory care surgical centers
• Free-standing emergency care facilities
• Home care providers
• Home nursing care providers
• Hospice providers
• Hospitals
• Kidney treatment centers
• Nursing facilities
• Organized ambulatory care facilities
• Physician ambulatory surgery centers

Officials also say anyone older than 6 months of age should get the vaccine to protect themselves from serious complications, especially for kids, women who are pregnant and seniors.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2018