(St. John’s, Canada) – Mandatory masking has returned to clinical areas in Newfoundland and Labrador’s hospitals and other health-care facilities, including long-term care, as the provincial health authority reports rising respiratory illness.

The requirement took effect at 8 a.m. on November 4, following an announcement November 3. It changes the conditions for people attending appointments, accompanying patients or visiting residents, as well as health-care workers providing care.

NTV independently reported the return of mandatory masking, describing its application to workers, volunteers and visitors in areas where patients are present. The measure covers inpatient, outpatient and long-term care settings rather than a single hospital or an individual outbreak location.

NL Health Services says visitors, support persons and outpatients, including people attending emergency departments, must wear a well-fitted medical mask in clinical and waiting areas. Visitors must also remain masked when seeing hospital patients or long-term care residents.

The authority distinguishes those groups from admitted hospital patients and long-term care residents, who are not generally required to wear masks. However, people seeking or receiving health services who have respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 symptoms or a rash must wear a mask throughout their time in a facility.

People may bring their own medical mask or take one supplied at an entrance. Cloth masks and masks fitted with exhalation valves are not permitted under the announced rules.

The authority also asks visitors and support persons who feel unwell not to visit or accompany someone to an appointment, and directs them to follow facility screening instructions.

The policy is temporary, but its endpoint is not guaranteed. While NTV reported an anticipated March 31, 2027 end, the health authority’s announcement says the guidelines will be re-evaluated by that date. It will monitor respiratory illness cases, hospitalizations and outbreaks to inform that review.

The immediate development is the province-wide implementation of the requirement on November 4, not simply advance notice of a possible winter precaution.

Accompanying image: editorial illustration.

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