Horizon Health Network has reintroduced mandatory masking in all patient-facing clinical areas in all of its facilities, starting Wednesday, citing a rise in respiratory virus activity.<\/p>\n
All health-care workers, patients, social visitors, and designated support people will be required to wear a medical grade face mask,\u00a0also known as a surgical or procedure mask, at all times\u00a0in all inpatient units, outpatient\/ambulatory care clinics and emergency departments, and any other clinical setting, including waiting areas.<\/p>\n
“With this upward trend, and knowing this time of year historically leads to further increase of viral transmission, Horizon is taking a proactive and precautionary measure,”\u00a0the regional health authority said in a news release Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The release did not specify which respiratory illnesses have increased and Horizon officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n
But there are currently COVID-19 outbreaks at the Moncton Hospital, in the geriatrics and chronic care units, and at the Saint John Regional Hospital, in the\u00a0transitional care unit, according to Horizon’s website.<\/p>\n
Masking will not be required in non-clinical areas, such as lobbies, hallways, or cafeterias, Horizon said.<\/p>\n
Medical grade face masks are available in all Horizon facilities\u00a0and signage will be in place to help people understand when masks are required, it said.<\/p>\n
Vitalit\u00e9 Health Network officials did not immediately respond to a request for information about whether they\u00a0also intend\u00a0to reintroduce mandatory masking.<\/p>\n
Other measures to reduce transmission in place<\/p>\n