By Kaytlyn Poberznick

TYH Masks

To Your Health: Health-Care Mask Mandates

Sep 30, 2023 | 1:12 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – There’s been a large increase in respiratory illnesses. RSV and COVID-19, among other illnesses, have spiked the charts, but that comes as no surprise as we enter into the colder months. With this comes new mandates, one of which is the return of masks in health-care facilities in the province starting October 3rd to increase protection.

“It will help is it will help curb the spread of it in hospitals and trying to keep all our vulnerable patients, as well as our staff, better at keeping everyone at work.”

– Dr. Rakel Kling, Northern Health

Those involved in this new health-care mask mandate are health-care workers, volunteers, contractors and visitors in patient care areas, along with long-term care visitors when they are in common areas of the home and when participating in indoor events, gatherings, activities in communal areas of the care home or residence. With the spike in numbers, there are a few this that people can do to help prevent spread of illnesses during these coming months.

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“So, the best thing you can do is make sure to wash your hands. There’s still a lot of hand sanitizer out there in the public and at home. Make sure to take that with you wash your hands often. If you do have to cough or sneeze and you’re out in public, make sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow. Wearing a mask is also an option if you want to wear a mask, and then absolutely staying home if you’re feeling ill, regardless of what bug you have. If you’re feeling unwell, stay home until you’re feeling better.”

Dr. Kling says that if you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms to access the hospital’s emergency department, but for less severe cases, Northern Health’s virtual clinic is a great resource.