Starting on September 26, masks will again be required in hospitals around Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Health (NSH) is implementing the policy in light of rising cases of respiratory illness including COVID-19, and in anticipation of the upcoming influenza and cold season.
“We monitor case numbers of respiratory illnesses, how many days people are taking off work and things like that to determine the prevalence of respiratory illnesses and based on that it was determined that implementing a mask policy was warranted,” said Dr. Shelly McNeil Senior Medical Director, COVID Planning and Implementation and Chief for NSH. “We want to do what we can to prevent these things from getting into our hospitals and spreading to our staff and patients.”
The policy will require staff, patients and visitors to wear masks in areas of hospitals where medical care is administered.
They will not be required upon entering hospitals or in non-medical areas like cafeterias.
NSH Staff who administer at-home services will also be required to wear masks when on-site.
Dr. McNeil also explained that more widespread masking policies could be implemented at local levels if case numbers in particular parts of the province warrant increased precaution. She also advises all Nova Scotians to get their annual flu shots, as well as COVID-19 vaccine booster when they become available later this year.
