“Health P.E.I. Implements Mandatory Mask Policy”

Health P.E.I. officials have announced that starting next week, all individuals visiting their facilities will be required to wear masks indoors. This decision is a response to the increased occurrence of respiratory illnesses in Prince Edward Island during this season. Lara MacMurdo, the director of occupational health, safety, and wellness at Health P.E.I., emphasized the importance of wearing masks as a simple yet effective measure to safeguard the health and well-being of healthcare workers and the healthcare system as a whole. She stated that masking has become a necessary practice that is expected to continue annually. The mandatory masking policy will apply to all members of the public, including visitors and partners in care, who must wear masks when in close proximity to patients or residents within Health P.E.I. facilities. MacMurdo clarified that mask-wearing is required only when individuals are within six feet of others or directly providing patient care. The implementation of this policy will begin on Tuesday, October 14, with masks provided at all entrances of Health P.E.I. buildings. Health P.E.I. staff will receive guidelines on when they can remove their masks and will be expected to adhere to other infection control measures such as regular handwashing, staying home when unwell, and promptly reporting any illness to their supervisors. Health P.E.I. has committed to updating its masking policy as circumstances permit.