In response to increased respiratory illness activity across the province, Health P.E.I. is implementing a masking policy in its facilities starting Friday.

Members of the public will be asked to wear a mask when within two metres of a patient. Masking will also be encouraged in hallways of acute care settings.

Health P.E.I. said in a release that the move is for continued patient safety.

“This is an important decision that receives careful consideration,” Jillian Nixon, Health P.E.I.’s director of occupational health, safety and wellness, is quoted as saying in the release.