Health P.E.I. Implements Mandatory Masking as Overcrowding Strains Health System
Officials Reinstate Mask Mandate to Protect Patients Amid Rising Respiratory Illnesses
CHARLOTTETOWN – Health P.E.I. has announced that masks will be mandatory in all health facilities across Prince Edward Island starting Monday, citing increased patient volumes and ongoing concerns about the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Overcrowding and Rising Cases Drive Policy Change
The decision comes as emergency departments and acute-care units face severe strain, with Chief Executive Melanie Fraser warning that the province’s health-care system has been operating under heavy pressure for weeks.
“The peak of cold and flu season has yet to arrive,” Fraser stated, emphasizing that preventative measures are crucial to reducing further stress on hospitals and clinics.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Health officials stress that the mask mandate is especially critical for vulnerable populations, including seniors and residents of long-term care facilities. Preventing outbreaks in these settings is a key priority, as they are at higher risk of severe complications from respiratory illnesses.
Enhanced Infection Control Measures for Health Workers
In addition to mandatory masking, all Health P.E.I. staff will continue following strict infection control protocols, including:
Practicing proper hand hygiene
Staying home when experiencing symptoms
Reporting respiratory illnesses to supervisors
“This is not a decision we made lightly,” Fraser said in a statement. “We must take all precautions necessary to prevent more people from getting sick.”
What This Means for Patients and Visitors
Effective immediately, patients and visitors must wear masks when entering any Health P.E.I. facility, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care homes. Officials urge Islanders to comply with the mandate to help curb the spread of illness and protect front-line health workers.
As respiratory infections continue to rise, other provinces may also consider reinstating similar policies to ease the burden on their health-care systems.
Source : The Canadian Press
