April 15, 2020
  • For Immediate Release

    Redwood City – San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow has issued a new order requiring residential care facilities to screen residents and staff for fever and signs of respiratory illness, to take reasonable steps to acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff, and to alert San Mateo County Health within one hour of learning that a resident or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. Facility residents and staff are also subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing and the imposition of other measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

    The order also prevents the entry of unauthorized visitors and non-essential personnel including visitors of residents.

    The facilities in San Mateo County affected by the order are those that provide care in congregate settings, including nursing homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, mental health rehabilitation renters, chronic dialysis centers, residential treatment facilities, and group homes.

    The full text of the order is here

    A prior COVID-19–related order (March 11) applied to long term care facilities in the county. The new order strengthens and extends the applicability of the mitigation measures and safety practices to other licensed residential facilities and agencies.

    The order has been issued due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 within the county and the risk to residents in congregate care settings, especially those that serve the elderly.

    As of April 14, San Mateo County had 747 cases of COVID-19 and 21 related deaths. See more information here: smchealth.org/coronavirus.

    Media Contact

    Diana Rohini LaVigne | (650) 867-1661 | press@smchealth.org