Medical masks are once again required to be worn at BC healthcare facilities.
In a statement to Daily Hive, the BC Ministry of Health confirmed the policy and why it’s being implemented.
“As of January 6, 2025, all healthcare workers, volunteers, contractors, patients and visitors must wear medical masks in areas where patients are actively receiving care, except when eating and/or drinking,” stated a ministry spokesperson.
“To clarify, any person that comes to a healthcare facility for medical care will receive it.”
The ministry added that measures like this have been implemented in healthcare facilities before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province added that this most recent policy was implemented to “strengthen infection control measures” as respiratory illness season continues.
“When the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) rescinded remaining orders for COVID-19 in July 2024, the PHO stated that enhanced infection prevention and control measures may be reinstated in health-care facilities during future respiratory illness seasons if the risk of spread of respiratory illness is high,” stated the ministry.
“Current surveillance trends show that influenza and RSV activity is increasing, and COVID-19 activity is stable but showing early signs of an increase.”
Who has to wear a mask and where?
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The policy will apply to facilities operated by health authorities and in sites contracted by health authorities like hospitals, long-term care, assisted living facilities, outpatient clinics, and ambulatory care settings.
Masks will have to be worn anywhere where patients, residents or clients are “actively receiving care.”
The ministry notes this differs from last year when masks were required in all areas.
Patients are required to wear a medical mask and other PPE if they are directed to by a healthcare worker during direct patient care and if it’s medically tolerated.
Those visiting long-term care or seniors’ assisted living facilities should wear a mask if they are participating in group events, gatherings, and activities indoors. This isn’t required while eating or drinking.
Masks aren’t required to be worn by those visiting a single resident directly while in a patient care area, in multi-bedroom, or in communal spaces.
If medically tolerated, residents in long-term care or assisted living facilities must wear a mask and other PPE if directed to by a healthcare worker while receiving direct patient care.
The requirement will be in effect until “the risk decreases,” which is expected in Spring 2025.