Fraser Health: masks required during declared flu outbreak
This fall, HSA successfully led negotiations with the Ministry of Health to eliminate the punitive aspects of BCs new policy on mandatory flu vaccinations
Click here to read bulletin on flu vaccination policy November 30
However, this week, the Chief Medical Health Officer has declared an influenza outbreak for residential care and assisted living facilities for the Fraser Health region. This declaration is made under the provisions of the Public Health Act.
Click here to read Fraser Health Authoritys Public Service Announcement: -Fraser Health taking further steps to reduce spread of influenza" (January 15, 2013)
Click here to read Fraser Health Authoritys Q&A: -Enhanced Preventative Measures to Reduce Influenza in Residential Care and Assisted Living Facilities" (January 16, 2013)
Fraser Health has directed that:
Until further notice, all staff, volunteers and visitors to LTC facilities are required to wear a surgical mask for the duration of their time in the facility unless they have been previously vaccinated.
This directive falls within the agreed upon policy between the Ministry of Health and health unions. Members in the Fraser Health Authority who work at residential care and assisted living facilities ... and who have opted not to receive a flu vaccination -- are encouraged to comply with mask-wearing during the declared flu outbreak.
As always, HSA continues to encourage members to be vaccinated, but recognizes that individual health care workers have a right to make their personal health decisions.