(Providence, RI) -- The Rhode Island Department of Health is announcing that the flu is widespread in the state. That is triggering a requirement for unvaccinated healthcare workers in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to wear masks during direct patient contact. The health department is also reminding residents to consider going to a primary care provider or an urgent care facility for flu treatment instead of an emergency room, noting that less-severe cases of the flu do not usually require an ER trip.