'Continuous' masking returning to B.C. hospitals, clinics, care homes
Some health-care workers in British Columbia have started receiving notification that they will once again be expected to wear masks in medical settings, but the language is ambiguous about what exactly will be required and for whom.
CTV News has obtained a memo from Brian Sagar, executive director of communicable disease prevention and control for B.C., notifying workers that “in preparation for the viral respiratory illness (season) this fall and winter” they will be reinstating enhanced infection prevention and control measures in hospitals, family doctors’ offices, and clinics effective Oct. 3.
“(Measures include) continuous medical masking by health-care workers, visitors, contractors, and volunteers in all patient, client, and resident care areas,” reads one of the bullet points of his memo. “Patients, clients, and residents will mask when directed by a health care worker or based on personal choice.”
The memo does not include the word “mandate” or “mandatory” and doesn’t clarify whether anyone will be refused treatment if they don’t wear a mask, leaving room for interpretation.
CTV News asked Health Minister Adrian Dix to clarify whether masks would be strongly recommended or outright required starting next week, and he replied that there would be a press conference on Thursday with the provincial health officer to discuss the matter, along with immunizations, viral spread in the community, the impact on hospitals and related issues.
“It’s not a secret,” he said of the return of masks to health-care settings. “We’ve been talking about this for about a month. For the respiratory illness season in the fall, we would expect in health-care settings enhanced masking.”
SAFETY OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS A CONCERN
Assaults, both verbal and physical, happen almost daily in health-care settings, and there are already concerns there could be an escalation in the wake of “enhanced masking,” even if it’s not a legal order.
In October of last year, Dix announced a plan to hire 334 protection officers to handle aggression or assaults in hospitals. As of January, only four had been hired. CTV News has learned that as of now, only 14 of them are on the job, with hundreds more awaiting orientation and training, which won’t happen in time for next week.
CTV News has made multiple attempts over the course of several weeks to speak with the Lower Mainland Integrated Protection Services, which will oversee those officers, but neither the Provincial Health Services Authority nor the ministry of health would facilitate an interview.
“Well over 240 have been hired to date,” said Dix, insisting that the program is meeting its targets. “It’s important in these times to ensure that patients and staff feel safe.”
MORE DETAILS OF THE “ENHANCED” MEASURES
Earlier this month, some Ontario hospitals reinstated masking mandates in some areas of their facilities, with strong recommendations for the rest.
Those visiting B.C. care home or assisted living residents will not need to mask while in their room, screeners will be back at facility entrances watching for symptoms of respiratory illness, “rigorous hand washing” will be encouraged, and enhanced cleaning will continue.
COVID-19 vaccination requirements will continue for health-care workers, with “self-monitoring for signs and symptoms of illness prior to work and staying home when actively sick.” Patients and visitors do not require vaccinations and there are no occupancy limits, physical distancing requirements, or rapid testing, according to the memo.
On Tuesday, Dix told CTV News that each week 15,000 healthcare workers are calling in sick on average, compared to 9,000 in pre-pandemic times.
The province faced considerable criticism, including from B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner, when it ended the mandate in April, but defended the move citing declining infection rates for COVID-19.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
Pope apologizes after using 'homophobic terms'
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gay men to reaffirm the Catholic Church's ban on gay priests.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
House from 'Home Alone' hits the market for US$5.25 million
Kevin McCallister’s childhood home has hit the market for US$5.25 million. At just over 9,000 square feet, the house from the 'Home Alone' movie was last sold in 2012 for $1,585,000.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.