As Health P.E.I. brings back a mandatory masking policy on Monday in its facilities to prevent more people from getting sick, an infectious disease specialist says while masking is helpful, other precautions are essential.
Starting Jan. 27, Health P.E.I. has made masks mandatory for all visitors and staff at its facilities.
The policy, introduced in response to ongoing overcapacity issues facing the health-care system and a rise in respiratory illnesses, aims to protect both patients and healthcare workers, the provincial health authority said.
Dr. Lisa Barrett, an assistant professor at Dalhousie’s School of Medicine, said it’s important to wear masks that properly cover the nose and mouth to reduce risks of getting sick.
“Masks help and in particular wearing a mask that’s as well fitted as you can tolerate is very important,” she told CBC’s Island Morning.
Health P.E.I. has said in-patients and residents in long-term care will not be required to wear masks. There may also be exceptions for designated partners in care — or those who are staying with someone for long periods of time, as may be the case for parents of young children or those accompanying someone who’s in palliative care.
“We certainly are seeing more influenza across provinces. Add that to lots of RSV and the fact that COVID never went away,” Barrett said. “Together, those things mean lots of folks who are sick, and when lots of folks are sick in the community, more people end up in hospitals.”
Other precautions
While masking is critical, Islanders should also take additional steps to prevent illness and ease the pressure on the healthcare system, Barrett said. For example, getting this year’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of illness.
Simple practices like handwashing, staying home when you’re sick, wiping your nose, not touching your face and keeping surfaces clean, are also crucial, she said, especially during this time of year when people are indoors, close together and breathing recirculated air.
