Medical masking required in all Island Health patient areas

To increase protections in health-care facilities in the province, medical mask wearing will be required by all health-care workers, volunteers, contractors and visitors in areas where patients/clients/residents receive care effective Oct. 3, 2023.

What visitors can expect

Island Health ambassadors will provide medical masks to visitors entering a facility and direct them to hand hygiene stations. They will also advise visitors who have symptoms of a viral respiratory illness not to enter.

Visitors to long-term care facilities will wear a medical mask when moving through and/or participating in indoor events, gatherings and activities with others in common areas of the care home/residence. 

Learn more in this Ministry of Health news release about actions to prevent illness during respiratory season.