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P.E.I. Hospitals Reinstate Mask Mandates to Combat Respiratory Illnesses

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Health facilities across **Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.)** have reinstated mandatory masking in an effort to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. This decision follows a surge in COVID-19 positivity rates, which reached approximately **20 percent** during the week ending **October 4, 2023**. This figure starkly contrasts with the national average of under **10 percent**.

Visitors to hospitals, such as **Queen Elizabeth Hospital** in Charlottetown, are now required to wear masks when within two meters of any patient, resident, or client. **Hilary Prince**, a visitor, expressed her commitment to safety, stating, “I always wear the mask, maybe that’s why I don’t have a cold.” Another visitor, **Maureen Arsenault**, expressed her support for the mask mandate, emphasizing its importance in protecting vulnerable individuals: “It’s important to keep people safe, so I think it’s a good idea.”

As hospitals face increasing challenges, **Scott Weeks**, whose wife is a patient, noted the recent COVID-19 outbreak in her department. “She got along fine, and I think the other patients got along fine. But this time of year, it’s good to wear a mask so that reduces the spread of any type of respiratory infection,” he remarked.

Expert Opinions on Respiratory Illness Trends

Despite the current rise in COVID-19 cases, infections from respiratory syncytial virus (**RSV**) and influenza remain low, with positivity rates under **1 percent**. Nonetheless, **Isaac Bogoch**, an infectious disease specialist, predicts that these rates will rise as winter approaches, likely peaking in January. He cautioned, “We’ll sadly see some stretches to our health-care capacity, in terms of hospitalizations, because of these viruses… many people will succumb to these viruses, especially the most vulnerable.”

Bogoch emphasized the necessity of preventive measures to reduce transmission risks and protect those most at risk. He noted that annual flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccinations are essential this year.

**Dawn Bowdish**, an immunologist and professor of medicine at **McMaster University**, encouraged vaccinations, stating that the vaccines available this season should effectively target the circulating strains. Drawing from data from Australia, which has recently concluded its cold and flu season, she noted, “There may be mutations, or the virus might change before it gets to Canada. But our best predictions are that the flu shot will be an excellent match.” Bowdish urged individuals to get vaccinated promptly, suggesting that doing so would significantly improve the likelihood of a healthier holiday season.

Access to Vaccinations Across Canada

In Canada, most provinces and territories offer COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost to individuals aged six months and older. However, **Quebec** and **Alberta** have started charging for vaccinations for those outside of high-risk groups. Nonetheless, high-risk groups, including health-care workers, seniors aged 65 and older, and residents of long-term care facilities, continue to receive coverage for COVID-19 vaccinations in these provinces.

On **Prince Edward Island**, public health officials are optimistic that the combination of universal vaccine access and mask mandates in health facilities will help to manage the anticipated surge in respiratory illnesses and reduce pressure on local hospitals. The proactive measures reflect a broader effort to safeguard the health of the community during a challenging period for health services.

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