Public Notice
Temporary Mask Mandate Returns to BC, including Sq’éwqel Health Care Facilities
Published:
- January 10, 2025
News Category:
- Public Notice
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- 235
Temporary Mask Mandate Returns to BC, including Sq’éwqel Health Care Facilities
Éy swayél mekw’ewat (good day everyone),
As of January 6, 2025, the BC Health Ministry has declared that medical masks are required for all individuals in patient care areas in all health authority–operated facilities, programs and services, where patients receive care, to help prevent the spread of the flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19 (see terms below).
According to the BC Centre of Disease Control (BCCDC), the amount of health care visits for respiratory illnesses continue to rise.
Unlike previous mask mandates (see term below), visitors to long-term care and assisted living facilities are not required to wear masks, while visiting a single resident. Please note, masks are still mandatory in other areas where care is provided.
The expectation is for this mask mandate to end by spring of 2025, as respiratory illness rates decrease.
We thank you for your considerate cooperation, and we wish you all well.
Ólhetchexw (respectfully),
– SIB Health and Social Development
