The British Columbia government is keeping its controversial vaccine mandate for healthcare workers in place and reinstating a mask mandate for healthcare settings, effective Oct. 3.
On Thursday, Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a series of measures meant to contain the spread of Covid-19, including reintroducing a masking requirement.
All healthcare workers, volunteers, visitors and contractors will need to wear a medical mask in healthcare settings. Patients will not be required to wear masks.
The province will also continue to require a Covid vaccines for healthcare workers.
Additionally, those visiting long-term care facilities will also need to don a medical mask in common areas and at indoor events.
There are some exemptions, including cafeterias, where masks will not be required.
B.C. will also be hiring “ambassadors” to greet people at healthcare facilities and hand out masks.
“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,” said Dix.
B.C. is still awaiting deliveries of new Covid-19 vaccines and has advised everyone over the age of six months to get a Covid-19 booster and influenza vaccine.
“We are starting to see increasing respiratory virus infections in B.C., including COVID-19, and now is the time to remember the healthy habits we can all do to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities,” said Henry.
“That includes covering your cough, cleaning your hands regularly, staying away from others if you have a cough or a fever, wearing masks if you have lingering symptoms or need extra protection and getting the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.”
