Masking back at some Horizon hospital facilities in New Brunswick
Horizon Health Network is bringing back masking in certain situations in New Brunswick hospitals.
In a news release Tuesday, Horizon said it was taking precautions to reduce transmissions within hospital facilities as respiratory viruses are expected to increase.
As of Wednesday, a medical-grade face mask will be required in regional hospitals if it has two or more outbreak units. For community hospitals, the masking provision will be in effect if one or more units has an outbreak.
The masking requirement will apply to:
- all staff
- patients
- volunteers
- visitors
- designated support persons
Masking will not be required in public areas such as lobbies or cafeterias, but there will be masks available for anyone who wants to wear one.
Horizon requires patients, visitors and designated support persons to self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19 before entering a facility.
“Social visitors are not permitted to visit patients in a Horizon hospital or any long-term care patient care unit that has a respiratory virus outbreak,” according to the news release.
Continuous masking will be required on outbreak units for health care workers and designated support persons.
On Tuesday, Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, said masking requirements are the responsibility of the health authority. However, Dr. Strang did say he expects a decision on masking in hospitals to made as early as this week.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Hundreds of workers on strike at Gibraltar copper mine in British Columbia
More than 500 workers are on strike at the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, about 200 kilometres south of Prince George.