Effective October 3, medical masks will be worn by all health care workers, volunteers, contractors and visitors in patient care areas at our health care facilities.
As respiratory infections are increasing in communities in B.C., the risk also increases in health care facilities where people may be more at risk of severe infections or complications.
To increase protections in health care facilities in the province, medical masks will be worn by all health care workers, volunteers, contractors and visitors in patient care areas starting October 3, 2023. Long-term care visitors will wear a mask 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.
A patient care area is an area within a health care facility (including a contracted facility), hallway or lobby, which is accessible to patients, residents, or clients who are there to access care or services. This includes any other location where care is provided, such as home and community care locations (including a client’s home), waiting rooms and ambulatory care clinics.
Ambassadors will be at facility entrances to support screening for symptoms of respiratory illnesses, hand out medical masks, and ensure people clean their hands before entering.
Read the news release from the Province of B.C.