British Columbia orders return of masks to health care settings

Medical masks are once again required in B.C. health care settings as provincial officials say cases of respiratory disease are increasing.

A release from the British Columbia Ministry of Health says workers, volunteers and visitors to facilities run by provincial health authorities must wear masks in areas where patients receive care to prevent the spread of the disease. influenza, RSV and COVID-19.

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The requirement covers hospitals, long-term care and assisted living facilities, outpatient clinics and ambulatory care settings, and it is expected to remain in effect until the risk of illness declines, likely in the spring .

The latest update from the BC Center for Disease Control indicates that influenza and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, activity increased in the last week of 2024.

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The update said COVID-19 activity was stable, but showed “early signs of an increase” heading into the new year.

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The center says that the proportion of medical visits for respiratory illnesses continues to increase and is at a level comparable to last season.

The Department of Health says visitors to long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities do not need to wear masks when visiting a single resident, marking a change from government measures. last year, which required masks in all areas.

The ministry adds that temporary mask requirements have been used in health care settings before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.