Compulsory Mask Wearing for Healthcare Workers and Visitors: Latest Updates and Measures at CHU de Québec

2023-09-28 18:41:25

On Wednesday, the CHUL announced its new directive. From now on, wearing a mask is compulsory for all healthcare workers when they are in contact with patients, indicates Michèle Schaffner-Junius, deputy director of communications at the CHU de Québec.

Patients must also wear a mask during their contact with professionals. Relatives and visitors must also wear a face covering during their visits.

These new rules have been in force since Thursday morning in the five CHU hospitals, namely the Enfant-Jésus Hospital, the Saint-Sacrement Hospital, the Saint-François d’Assise Hospital, the Hôtel-Dieu of Quebec and the CHUL.

Other establishments under consideration

The return of compulsory mask wearing might extend to other health establishments in the Quebec region.

On Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Integrated University Health and Social Services Center of the Capitale-Nationale (CIUSSS), Mariane Lajoie, mentioned it. Currently, wearing a mask is mandatory on outbreak units.

However, the rules might change depending on how the situation evolves. “For the moment, we are monitoring the epidemiological situation closely and, depending on developments, recommendations might be added,” says Ms. Lajoie.

Increase in respiratory viruses

Wearing a mask is coming back into discussions since indicators linked to COVID-19 and respiratory viruses have been increasing since the beginning of fall.

“In order to ensure the health and safety of its customers and staff, the CHU de Québec-Université Laval (CHU) is increasing its vigilance,” says Michèle Schaffner-Junius.

However, the figures have stabilized in recent days, said Marie-Claude Lacasse, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS), on Tuesday.

“The most recent data show some stabilization in the increase in hospitalizations. It is too early to say whether this stabilization will continue,” she said.

In this period conducive to the circulation of respiratory viruses, the University Hospital reminds us of the importance of washing hands and practicing self-screening.

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