P.E.I. Hospitals Reinstate Mask Mandates to Combat Respiratory Illnesses

Health facilities across Prince Edward Island have reinstated mandatory masking policies as public health officials respond to a rise in respiratory illnesses. This decision comes in light of new data indicating that approximately 20 percent of COVID-19 tests conducted on the Island returned positive results for the week ending October 4, 2023, significantly higher than the national average of under 10 percent.

Visitors to hospitals, such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, are now required to wear masks when within two metres of patients, residents, or clients. Local resident Hilary Prince expressed her support for the measure, stating, “I always wear the mask; maybe that’s why I don’t have a cold.” Maureen Arsenault, another visitor, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of safety in health care settings.

The rise in COVID-19 cases has raised concerns among families of patients. Scott Weeks, whose wife is currently receiving treatment at the hospital, noted a recent outbreak in her department. He remarked, “This time of year, it’s good to wear a mask to reduce the spread of any type of respiratory infection.”

Despite the uptick in COVID-19 activity, other respiratory viruses such as RSV and influenza remain relatively low, with less than 1 percent of tests returning positive results. However, Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist, cautioned that these numbers are expected to rise during the winter months, potentially leading to increased hospitalizations. “We’ll sadly see some stretches to our health-care capacity,” he said, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.

In preparation for the upcoming flu season, Dawn Bowdish, an immunologist and professor of medicine at McMaster University, highlighted the importance of vaccination. She noted that the vaccines available this year should effectively target the strains likely to circulate, citing data from Australia’s recent flu season. “Getting vaccinated now is a really good investment in a Christmas holiday that will be, hopefully, lower in infection,” Bowdish stated.

Access to COVID-19 vaccines remains widespread across most provinces and territories in Canada for individuals aged six months and older. The exceptions are Quebec and Alberta, which have implemented charges for those not in high-risk groups, although high-risk individuals continue to receive free vaccinations.

Public health officials in Prince Edward Island are optimistic that the combination of universal vaccine access and the reinstatement of mask mandates will help mitigate the anticipated surge in respiratory illnesses and alleviate pressure on the Island’s health care system. As the community prepares for the winter months, the emphasis remains on safety and health to protect the most vulnerable residents.