BC Government Announces Mask Policy Rescinded

BC Health Minister Josie Osborne and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry this morning announced the end of viral respiratory infection season, and the removal of the requirement for continuous masking in direct patient care areas.

While the mask policy is rescinded, other infection control practices remain in place:

• Masking and use of other personal protective equipment will continue to be guided by a point-of-care risk assessment (PCRA), local infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, WorkSafeBC communicable disease safety plans and the direction of Medical Health Officers, IPC physicians or their delegate (e.g. during outbreaks).
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of all high touch/high frequency contact points will continue.
• Direction around other measures, such as hand hygiene, immunization, health care worker illness and return to work, remain the same.

For more information, see BC Provincial Health Officer’s Statement on End of Respiratory Illness Season.