Commonwealth_ Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) has reinstated compulsory masking in all healthcare settings as public health authorities respond to the apparent surge in respiratory illness, most notably COVID-19. The action comes on the heels of recent national monitoring data showing a steady increase in infection rates across the country, with P.E.I. reporting one of the largest increases.
Island had a COVID-19 test positive rate of close to 20 percent—double the nation’s below-average 10 percent— according to Canada‘s respiratory virus surveillance report for the week up to October 4. The health officials have explained that this reinstated safety measure is to reduce additional viral spread during the cold months when respiratory infections traditionally peak.
Under the policy, all patients in P.E.I. hospitals and health centers are required to wear masks if they come within two meters of patients, residents, or clients. The program aims to safeguard vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing medical conditions and the elderly, who are particularly susceptible to severe infection. The government also demanded that the mask protocol would continue as long as infection rates continue to rise.
Recent outbreaks on the Islands reinforce the need for the new measures. There has been an outbreak of COVID-19 in one of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital departments in Charlottetown reported by public health officials at the start of this month. Although the situation was brought under control, the episode served to remind everyone of how respiratory viruses can easily spread in clinical settings, particularly when mask use decreases.
Except for COVID-19, other respiratory illnesses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have so far been relatively low with less than one percent of the tests being positive. However, infectious disease experts estimate that the numbers are expected to increase exponentially in the coming months. When winter approaches, Canada can expect to have rising hospitalizations due to concurrent waves of respiratory illnesses.
Public health officials have warned that, though the rates of RSV and flu are currently lower, both viruses deteriorate with winter seasons and peak in January. The seasonal rush puts additional pressure on health-care centers across the country. The most susceptible populations, including the elderly and people with previous health issues, remain at risk of contracting complications or even death due to the viruses.
