NY State EP Alert 4.28.2025|DOH Declares Flu No Longer Prevalent
Today, April 28, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH/the Department) Commissioner issued a Health Advisory declaring flu no longer prevalent in New York State. The advisory can be accessed on the Health Commerce System under “Important Health Notifications”.
Citing low levels of influenza cases and hospitalizations compared to peak activity in the week ending February 1, 2025, NYS Health Commissioner James McDonald, MD, MPH, declared that influenza is no longer prevalent for the 2024-25 influenza season, as of April 28, 2025.
As a result, personnel unvaccinated for influenza for the current season working in facilities and agencies regulated by Article 28, 36, or 40 of the NYS Public Health Law are no longer required to wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents may be present.
This declaration remains effective until the Commissioner again declares influenza to be prevalent in NYS.
Find additional information in the FAQ document for section 2.59 of the New York State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR § 2.59). Direct outstanding questions to the Department.