File photo (credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

MASK POLICY

B.C.’s health ministry updates mask policy for healthcare facilities; IH reports normal levels of respiratory illness

Jan 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The B.C. health ministry has updated the mask policy throughout the province, requiring them to be worn in several healthcare settings during the respiratory season. The policy applies to health authority-operated facilities and in sites contracted by the health authority for services such as hospitals, long-term care and assisted living, outpatient clinics and ambulatory care settings.

The masking requirement will be in effect until the risk decreases, which is expected to be in the spring. It’s been put in place as the province is in the midst of the normal respiratory season.

credit – Ministry of Health

“(During) 2022-23, we had an early peak and young children were experiencing severe infections at that time. And then last year, we reverted back to a more normal kind of pattern. And this year, from all the data we have so far, we are following last year’s (pattern),” said Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, Interior Health medical health officer.

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Patient care areas where masking will be required include emergency departments and waiting rooms. Rules will also be in place at long-term care homes if visiting multiple residents.

credit – Ministry of Health

“Early on, we typically see influenza ‘A’, and so that is what we are seeing across Canada and Interior Health, and influenza ‘B’ can cause infections, as well. The influenza vaccine contains protections against influenza ‘A’ and ‘B’ as well, so that seasonal influenza vaccine covers the strains that circulate,” said Dr. Delli Pizzi

While the ministry is reporting an increasing trend of influenza and RSV, Interior Health has held steady.

“The proportion of emergency department visits that are from respiratory illnesses are pretty much on par to last year, so we are seeing what we expect so far,” said Dr. Delli Pizzi.

Flu shots remain the best way for people to protect themselves and loved ones from illness.

“Covering our cough with our elbow, hand washing or hand cleaning is so important, either with hand sanitizer or with soap,” said Dr. Delli Pizzi. “And if you are sick with fever or cough, and you do need to be out around others than wearing a mask can be protective for others, and some people might want to wear a mask for extra protection from themselves as well.”

credit – Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health will be monitoring risk levels throughout the rest of the respiratory season to determine any future policy changes.