Health PEI has reinstated masking requirements as COVID-19 cases rise on the island.
Masks are now mandatory for everyone who runs directly with patients, Health PEI CEO Michael Gardam said Thursday in an email to Array.
PEI health services staff will be required to wear a mask if within six feet of any patient and will need to adhere to extra precautions when dealing with patients diagnosed with COVID-19, influenza, or similar illnesses.
In Santé P. E. I. buildings, masks are required for the public, in addition to visitors and caregivers, but are strongly encouraged.
Patients should also wear masks when leaving their intensive care wards, if they can.
Tara Ferguson, director of infection prevention and Health PEI, said fitness officials are ready to implement stricter masking policies if needed.
“Right now, what we want our visitors and care partners to do is stay home if they’re unwell and work with us to provide the safest environment for our patients and residents,” she said.
Gardam’s memo says the measures are mandatory given rising COVID-19 cases and demand for the antiviral Paxlovid.
“The Chief Public Health Officer has demonstrated through their surveillance expertise what we’re seeing in our units: A higher volume of cases causes more COVID to come into the community,” he said. “Just today, five nursing homes have been declared in an outbreak.
“We want to prepare for more and ourselves from infection. “
Health PEI is also strongly encouraged to keep your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations up to date.
Health care facilities across Canada have reintroduced masking mandates in recent weeks to prepare for respiratory illness season. Cases of COVID, flu, and RSV tend to spike in the colder months, when other people are more likely to gather indoors.
Ferguson said there may be some reluctance on the part of staff, but most acknowledge that they do it with others.
“I think this will be an annual measure going forward and I think we’re in line with most of Canada, so it’s not like we’re the only ones implementing those policies and protocols,” he said.
The measures will be in place until further notice, Gardam said.
With files through Wayne Thibodeau
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