Mandatory mask-wearing is back in British Columbia’s healthcare settings

An end to the mask era placated many parts of the world, but not in British Columbia (BC), as the mask mandate is back again in healthcare facilities.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry dropped the news during a press conference. Starting Oct. 3, health workers, volunteers, and hospital visitors are required to wear their masks again. Requirements are also stated in a memo sent to the healthcare facilities.

“Expect to wear a mask if you’re in a hospital or health-care setting in the next few months,” Dr. Henry said.

The mask mandate’s comeback in BC is caused by a surge in COVID-19 and other respiratory ailments in the area. Data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) shows that there’s an uptick in hospitalizations, COVID-19 cases, and even death.

The memo reads “Pts, clients, & residents will mask when directed by a health care worker or based on personal choice.” Which really isn’t much different from what we have now & will still lead to people refusing to 😷 when asked. As has been happening since mandates were dropped https://t.co/Q2inb1yHCo

— Dr. Anna Wolak (@drawolak) September 27, 2023

From Aug. 20 to Sept. 16, confirmed cases almost doubled, health facilities saw 178 hospitalizations during that last week, and deaths went up from 10 to 22.

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Back to masking

Back in April, BC bid goodbye to mask mandates. But, as Dr. Henry puts it, its return is all about protecting everyone and the healthcare setting.

“That’s the best we can do to protect each other and to make sure that we can slow down, decrease and minimize the impact of these viruses on ourselves, on our communities and on our health care system.”

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.

Read more: https://t.co/0BhGXqjMd9 pic.twitter.com/t4VrE815kz

— True North (@TrueNorthCentre) October 1, 2023

Here’s how it goes: When entering healthcare facilities, “ambassadors” will welcome you at the door to make sure everybody’s masked up and following the rules. If somebody resists, security will be around to assist.

But there are also exceptions. Masking also won’t be required in dentist offices, private practices, and chiropractic clinics.

Meanwhile, British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Henry announced that the updated COVID-19 vaccination campaign will roll out on Oct. 10, with the first invites to be sent out to high-risk individuals.