Published on November 25, 2014

Immunize or Mask policy in effect at Cypress Health Region facilities

Submitted

Emphasizing public, patient and staff safety, all visitors and members of the public will be expected to wear a mask when entering Cypress Health Region facilities and sites where patient care and services are provided, unless they have received their influenza immunization this fall.

Effective December 1st, anyone who has made the choice not to be immunized this fall against influenza (the flu) will be expected to wear a surgical/procedure mask in patient care and service locations until April 3, 2015. This marks the anticipated date of the end of the annual influenza season. Masks will be available at all facilities for visitors to utilize, along with gel hand sanitizer for further protection.

The requirement to be immunized or wear a mask is part of a new province-wide Influenza Immunize or Mask Policy in effect in all Saskatchewan health regions and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. It applies to all health care staff and members of the public who come into hospitals, long term care facilities, primary health care sites, public health locations, and other sites where health programs and services are accessed. It includes common areas in these facilities such as hallways, lobbies, and waiting rooms. As well, patient/resident rooms, wards, units, departments and other areas where health care is provided.

All Cypress Health employees and other health professionals including physicians were offered the choice to receive their influenza immunization or be required to wear a mask while in patient care areas during the provincially declared influenza season.

Visitors, including volunteers, students, vendors, and contractors, are also expected to wear a mask if they have not received their influenza immunization.

The policy will also apply in community settings where Cypress Health staff delivers services to patients or clients in their homes. In addition, public locations such as Wellness Clinics will be included in the policy.

The objective of the annual influenza prevention campaign is to optimize the health and safety of everyone, said Dr. David Torr, Consulting Medical Health Officer for the Cypress Health Region. Getting your immunization every year is the most effective way to guard against the effects of influenza, but the other measures are very supportive to the overall goals of the program.

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Visitors to health care facilities expected to Immunize or Mask