Press "Enter" to skip to content

Tag: universal masking

Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

Mask mandate in hospitals dropped as vaccine booster program ramps up

Published April 8, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: Times Colonist
Published on:
By Cindy E. Harnett

As respiratory season winds down, a mask mandate in hospitals is being dropped but a COVID spring booster program is ramping up to strengthen waning protection for the most vulnerable.

“We are returning to the rules that were in place prior to respiratory illness season,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said Monday on the suspension of the mask mandate, likely to be a seasonal requirement.

The B.C. Health Ministry says given the decreased rates of viral respiratory infections in the community, additional infection prevention and control measures implemented last fall in health-care settings — such as masks — are no longer required at all times.

Continue readingMask mandate in hospitals dropped as vaccine booster program ramps up
Comments closed
Topic: Newfoundland and LabradorView all posts for the topic: Newfoundland and Labrador

Mask mandate to be lifted at N.L. hospitals Monday

Published March 28, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CBC News
Published on:

If you’re headed to the hospital on Monday, you won’t need to wear a mask as Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has updated its masking guidelines.

Masking had been required for patients and visitors at health-care facilities since February, but will no longer be required as of Monday, according to NL Health Services.

People who are seeking care and showing symptoms of viruses like COVID-19 will still be required to wear a mask. They can wear their own medical mask to the facility — but not a cloth mask — or get one on-site.

Continue readingMask mandate to be lifted at N.L. hospitals Monday
Comments closed
Topic: OntarioView all posts for the topic: Ontario

Masking policy updated by Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance

Published March 27, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CTV News
Published on:
By Kristylee Varley

Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) is updating its masking policy.

“Based upon the most recent Public Health Ontario guidance, updates will be made…” read a release from the organization.

Effective immediately, masking will be “welcomed but no longer required,” in many clinical areas of HPHA hospital sites with the exception of emergency departments where masking is still required.

Masking will also still be required for anybody who has symptoms of respiratory infection such as cough, fever and sore throat. If you’re accompanying somebody with symptoms, you must also wear a mask.

Continue readingMasking policy updated by Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
Comments closed
Advocacy group calls for stronger mask requirements in B.C.A young person with long black hair, a red headband and a black respirator holds two yellow signs reading: “1 in 33 in BC are currently infected” and “I’ve had long Covid for 20+ months. Please do not abandon us.” Photo: DoNoHarm BC.
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

Advocacy group calls for stronger mask requirements in B.C.

Published March 16, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CityNews
Published on:
By Aastha Pandey-Kanaan

Advocacy group launches province-wide campaign to strengthen mask protections in healthcare.

DoNoHarm BC, a grassroots group advocating for public health measures, is campaigning to keep mask protections in the healthcare industry year-long.

In a release, the organization says healthcare workers are not required to stay masked everywhere. Last April, they were able to stop masking in various settings, including in ERs, children’s hospitals, and cancer centres.

“B.C. currently requires masks in hospitals and long-term care for staff, contractors, visitors, and volunteers – but not for patients,” DoNoHarm BC said in a news release.

“While policy-makers have only guaranteed this measure for a “few months” over the winter, DoNoHarm BC notes the last time BC discarded healthcare masking, multiple medical facilities suffered COVID outbreaks.”

Continue readingAdvocacy group calls for stronger mask requirements in B.C.
Comments closed
Topic: MontrealView all posts for the topic: Montreal

Mask mandate reinstated in some Quebec health facilities following rise in measles cases

Published March 15, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CityNews
Published on:
By Miguel Fowke-Quintas

New data shows Quebec with 21 measles cases as of Friday 2 p.m., including 15 in Montreal.

According to the CIUSSS de l’Est, health centres in the eastern part of the island have responded by reinstating mask mandates and launching a vaccination campaign in elementary schools.

Notre-Dame and Sainte-Justine Hospitals are also among those requiring patients to wear masks to stop the spread.

“I feel like it’s necessary, especially to protect those who are more vulnerable,” said Montrealer Selena Ringwald. “Masking really doesn’t bother me, even as someone who has breathing issues after having COVID.”

Continue readingMask mandate reinstated in some Quebec health facilities following rise in measles cases
Comments closed
“Vulnerability isn’t seasonal”: DoNoHarm BC launches campaign to keep masks in BC healthcareTwo adults in N95 masks against a light blue background, one with long dark hair, assisting an elder with white hair using a walker. Black text reads, Vulnerability Isn’t Seasonal. #KeepMasksInHealthcare. Have your say by April 1, 2024. www.DoNoHarmBC.ca
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

“Vulnerability isn’t seasonal”: DoNoHarm BC launches campaign to keep masks in BC healthcare

Published March 14, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: DoNoHarm BC
Published on:

Vulnerable British Columbians call for continued protections from COVID-19, measles, and other airborne diseases

March 14, 2024 (British Columbia) – DoNoHarm BC, a grassroots group advocating for evidence-based public health measures, is leading a province-wide campaign to keep mask protections in BC medical settings. The campaign, “Vulnerability Isn’t Seasonal”, also calls to strengthen infection control with patient masking; wider use of N95 masks; and coverage in private practices like GP’s offices.

BC currently requires masks in hospitals and long-term care for staff, contractors, visitors and volunteers – but not for patients. While policy-makers have only guaranteed this measure for a “few months” over the winter, DoNoHarm BC notes that the last time BC discarded healthcare masking, multiple medical facilities suffered COVID outbreaks. At the time, removal of healthcare masking contradicted guidance from the World Health Organization, and prompted BC’s Human Rights Commissioner to state that the move “does not uphold a human rights centered approach to public health.”

Continue reading“Vulnerability isn’t seasonal”: DoNoHarm BC launches campaign to keep masks in BC healthcare
Comments closed
Topic: University of WaterlooView all posts for the topic: University of Waterloo

UW responds to open letter calling for more robust COVID-19 measures

Published March 8, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: Imprint
Published on:
By Veronica Reiner

An open letter calling for UW to implement more robust COVID-19 measures has picked up traction, receiving an endorsement from the World Health Network as well as a response from the university.

The letter was addressed to UW senior administration by the COVID Action, Response, and Equity (CARE) Coalition, a group made up of students, faculty, staff and alumni. It has garnered about 150 signatures so far, including UW Climate Justice Ecosystem, the UW QTPOC KW, and the School of Public Health Sciences Graduate Students’ Association.

Continue readingUW responds to open letter calling for more robust COVID-19 measures
Comments closed
Topic: Waterloo RegionView all posts for the topic: Waterloo Region

Group of University of Waterloo students demanding improved response to COVID-19-related issues

Published February 9, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CityNews
Published on:
By Josh Piercey

A group of students at the University of Waterloo (UW) have penned an open letter to administration demanding the institution meet certain standards of care due to its ‘silence and inaction about the ongoing health crisis.’

Their group, called the Covid Action, Response and Equity (CARE) Coalition UW, is made up of about 10 students attending the university.

Continue readingGroup of University of Waterloo students demanding improved response to COVID-19-related issues
Comments closed
Topic: Newfoundland and LabradorView all posts for the topic: Newfoundland and Labrador

Mask mandates return to N.L. hospitals today. Here’s what you need to know

Published February 5, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CBC News
Published on:
By Ryan Cooke

If you’re heading to a hospital or other health-care facility after 8 a.m. on Monday, you will be required to put on a mask.

The province has returned to masking mandates in health-care centres for the first time since May 2023. The move comes amid concerns about respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, strep A and other airborne viruses.

The provincial health department has said it’s a temporary measure, and will be re-evaluated on March 31.

Continue readingMask mandates return to N.L. hospitals today. Here’s what you need to know
Comments closed
Topic: Newfoundland and LabradorView all posts for the topic: Newfoundland and Labrador

N.L. health-care facilities reviving mask mandate, says minister

Published February 1, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CBC News
Published on:

Mandatory masking is returning to all areas where clinical care is provided in health facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Health Minister Tom Osborne told CBC News Thursday the recommendation was made by the Infection Prevention And Control team at N.L. Health Services, aiming to protect people inside the hospital and those entering the facilities.

Continue readingN.L. health-care facilities reviving mask mandate, says minister
Comments closed
Study: Infection-control measures stemmed COVID spread in hospitals from 2020 to 2022Lieutenant (junior grade) Kayla Marthy, from Long Island, New York (left), and Lieutenant (junior grade) Brianna Garcia, from St. Petersburg, Florida, treat a patient in the intensive care unit aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), on April 13, 2020. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden.
Topic: N95 respiratorsView all posts for the topic: N95 respirators

Study: Infection-control measures stemmed COVID spread in hospitals from 2020 to 2022

Published January 17, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CIDRAP
Published on:
By Mary Van Beusekom

Implementation of ventilation standards of at least five clean-air changes per hour, COVID-19 testing, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and universal wearing of respirators prevented most SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in a California healthcare system from 2020 to 2022, suggests a study published yesterday in Clinical Infectious Diseases.

For the study, University of California (UC) researchers used electronic health records and movement data of patients and staff to conduct viral genomic and social network analyses to estimate COVID-19 spread in the UC–San Diego Health system. The team analyzed 12,933 viral genomes from 35,666 infected patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) (out of 1,303,622 tests [2.7%]) from November 2020 to January 2022.

Continue readingStudy: Infection-control measures stemmed COVID spread in hospitals from 2020 to 2022
Comments closed
Topic: the pandemic is not overView all posts for the topic: the pandemic is not over

COVID Isn’t Going Anywhere. Masking Up Could Save My Life.

Published January 17, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: Teen Vogue
Published on:
By Alice Wong

The answers lie in poop. Based on the latest national sample of wastewater taken on January 13, 2024, the concentration of the SARS-Cov-2 virus is 1,132 copies/mL of sewage, an alarming increase compared to 280 copies/mL six months ago. This is one sign that cases of COVID infections have been rising, resulting in more hospitalizations, deaths, and people developing long COVID.

Like millions of other high-risk people who are service workers, older, chronically ill, disabled, or immunocompromised, I have done everything I can to remain as safe as possible. Due to neuromuscular disability and respiratory failure, my chances of surviving an infection are slim to none. With the latest JN.1 variant likely even more contagious – or better practiced at evading immune system defenses – than previous ones, I wonder if this is the surge when I will become infected, which is terrifying.

Continue readingCOVID Isn’t Going Anywhere. Masking Up Could Save My Life.
Comments closed
Topic: European UnionView all posts for the topic: European Union

Spain considers nationwide hospital mask rule, as flu, COVID hit Europe

Published January 8, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: Reuters
Published on:

Spain’s government proposed a nationwide mandate for people to wear masks in hospitals and health clinics on Monday, and Italy said respiratory illness infection rates had hit a record, as flu and COVID spread across Europe.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommended that people on the continent stay home if they feel sick, and consider wearing masks in crowds or healthcare settings, with flu spreading as it typically does this time of year but hitting some countries harder than others.

Continue readingSpain considers nationwide hospital mask rule, as flu, COVID hit Europe
Comments closed
Topic: New YorkView all posts for the topic: New York

New York City public hospitals bring back mask mandates in certain areas

Published January 3, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: ABC News
Published on:
By Mary Kekatos

Indoor mask requirements have been reinstated at all New York City public hospitals amid a rise in respiratory viruses including COVID-19 and flu.

The mandate extends to the 11 hospitals, 30 health centers and five long-term care facilities run by NYC Health + Hospitals.

The city’s health commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, said Wednesday masks will only be required in areas where patients are being treated, according to local ABC News affiliate ABC 7 NY.

Continue readingNew York City public hospitals bring back mask mandates in certain areas
Comments closed
Topic: United StatesView all posts for the topic: United States

Why hospitals in several states are reinstating mask requirements

Published January 1, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: ABC News
Published on:
By Mary Kekatos

Some hospitals across the United States are reinstating indoor masking rules amid rising cases and hospitalizations of respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 and influenza.

Hospitals in at least six states — California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington and Wisconsin — have put masking guidelines in place, according to an ABC News count.

Over the weekend, Mass General Brigham, which is the largest health system in Massachusetts, told ABC News it issued guidelines requiring employee caregivers and those working in patient care areas to wear masks.

Continue readingWhy hospitals in several states are reinstating mask requirements
Comments closed
Topic: PhilippinesView all posts for the topic: Philippines

Quezon provincial gov’t reimposes face mask mandate

Published December 29, 2023

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: CNN Philippines
Published on:
By CNN Philippines Staff

The provincial government of Quezon has reinstated the mandatory wearing of face masks due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases and respiratory illnesses.

An order signed by Provincial Governor Angelina Tan on Dec. 27 but made public on Friday said “face masks shall continue to be worn for indoor settings and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.”

Continue readingQuezon provincial gov’t reimposes face mask mandate
Comments closed
Topic: MassachusettsView all posts for the topic: Massachusetts

Masking returns at many Massachusetts hospitals — and not just because of COVID

Published December 28, 2023

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: GBH
Published on:
By Liz Neisloss

With both COVID-19 and other respiratory virus rates up, nearly all the major hospital groups in Massachusetts are bringing back mask requirements for doctors and staff, and in some cases for patients and visitors as well.

Beth Israel Lahey, Boston Medical Center and Dana Farber have already reimposed requirements. Mass General Brigham and UMass Memorial plan to require masking starting Jan. 2, followed by Tufts Medicine on Jan. 3.

Continue readingMasking returns at many Massachusetts hospitals — and not just because of COVID
Comments closed
Topic: MassachusettsView all posts for the topic: Massachusetts

Some hospitals resume mask requirements as respiratory infections rise

Published December 22, 2023

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: The Boston Globe
Published on:
By Adam Piore

With COVID-19 cases and other respiratory illnesses rising across the region, some area hospitals have begun to bring back face mask requirements to halt the spread of infections.

Boston Medical Center said Thursday it would resume masking requirements in all patient-care areas beginning Friday. On Monday, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reinstated its mask requirements in all clinical and public spaces, and the Beth Israel Lahey Health system (BILH) updated its policies to require masking for all health care personnel upon entry to a patient room or bed space.

Continue readingSome hospitals resume mask requirements as respiratory infections rise
Comments closed