Canadian Press

By Sam Bennison

Fall Respiratory Illnesses

Mask mandates return in health care settings October 3

Sep 28, 2023 | 1:07 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—Due to increased respiratory illnesses the Province has announced that mandatory medical mask-wearing will be returning to all health care facilities and long-term care homes. The new mandates will take effect on October 3, 2023, and health officials are encouraging people aged six months or older to get their COVID-19 and influenza shots.

Health Canada approved two new updated COVID vaccines and are beginning a Fall Immunization Campaign as soon as the vaccines arrive. The campaign is for both COVID -19 and influenza and will be made available to priority populations first including seniors aged 65 and over, Indigenous peoples, pregnant people, those with chronic health conditions, and healthcare workers.

Invitations for immunization appointments for everyone else will begin on October 10, 2023. People will be able to receive both vaccines at the same time if they wish. Invitations will roll out throughout the month of October.

An increase in hospital visits with the fall respiratory illness season requires measures to ensure our acute care is effective and our health-care system is strong, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We all know that getting immunized is the best way for us to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the B.C. health-care workers we rely on. We all know that to keep ourselves healthy and our health-care system strong, we all need to do our part. And by getting our free and readily available COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time, we’re all doing precisely what’s needed.

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Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

Vaccines will be available at participating pharmacies, health clinics, and some primary care providers’ offices throughout B.C. They remain free for everyone six months and older.

The at-home COVID test kits are still effective at screening the new variants and are being monitored to ensure effectiveness. However, while a large portion of hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses have come from COVID, Dr. Bonnie Henry is reminding everyone that there are other illnesses to be aware of and to stay home if you have any symptoms regardless of a negative COVID test.

Fall and winter can add more strain to B.C.’s healthcare system. To ensure hospitals have capacity in the event of increased demand during respiratory season the Province have made plans to add hospital beds and expedite patient flow as needed.