Compulsory Mask-Wearing: Protecting Health and Preventing Respiratory Virus Spread in CIUSSS MCQ Healthcare Settings

2023-10-31 16:06:46

Due to the increase in cases of respiratory viruses in circulation as well as the increased presence of outbreaks within the CIUSSS MCQ, management is announcing, in certain sectors, the return of compulsory mask wearing as of November 1. Staff, users, visitors and caregivers must wear a procedural mask in certain clinical sectors, such as: outpatient clinics, care units, vaccinations, CLSCs, local service points, etc.

This decision was taken to prevent the spread of viruses and protect everyone’s health. This measure is in place for an indefinite period and will be lifted as soon as the epidemiological situation allows. People visiting the facilities are encouraged to monitor the signage in place to find out the guidelines applicable to the area being visited.

It should be noted that not all healthcare settings are affected by the mandatory wearing of masks. In fact, the instructions are modulated firstly according to the healthcare environments and then according to the intensity of the period of circulation of respiratory viruses. This makes it possible to maintain the therapeutic link with certain clienteles, particularly in mental health and CHSLDs, while preserving hospital capacity.

Remember that masks remain effective protective equipment to reduce the spread of infections and ensure everyone’s safety, especially when we know that most respiratory viruses are contagious even before symptoms appear.

During the respiratory infection season, it is important to remember the importance of:

Get vaccinated (for all the details on the current vaccination campaign, consult this page: www.ciusssmcq.ca/vaccination);

Monitor your symptoms and reinforce the application of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (e.g.: cough into your elbow, wear a mask in the presence of respiratory symptoms) at all times and in all healthcare settings.

For more details on actions that help limit the transmission of infectious respiratory diseases, consult this page: https://www.quebec.ca/sante/conseils-et-prevention/prevention-des-accidents-des-lesions-et-des-maladies/gestes-limiter-transmission-maladies-respiratoires-infectieuses.

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