Responding to the evolving epidemiological landscape in Quebec and the Laurentides region, coupled with the heightened transmission of COVID-19 within communities and healthcare settings, the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) des Laurentides has announced pivotal adjustments to its mask-wearing policy. With the impending flu season adding another layer of complexity, these changes will come into effect from October 5, 2023.
Policy Overview
For Healthcare Workers: Healthcare professionals are now required to wear masks in patient environments, spanning entry into rooms, consultation offices, users’ homes, and more. This mandate extends to acute care, rehabilitation, and home care settings. In living environments such as CHSLD, senior homes, youth rehabilitation centers, and long-term mental health care centers, mask-wearing is strongly encouraged, emphasizing a commitment to safety and precaution.
For Visitors and Caregivers: Visitors and caregivers must wear medical masks when in proximity to a hospitalized patient within a hospital or when under observation in the emergency department. The use of masks is also encouraged in other sectors, fostering a culture of responsibility and shared protection.
For patients: Patients exhibiting respiratory symptoms or meeting exposure criteria to COVID-19 must continue to wear masks. Additionally, in various situations, especially for immunosuppressed or transplant users, mask usage is encouraged to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Continuous Monitoring and Collaboration
Rosemonde Landry, President and CEO of CISSS des Laurentides, assures the public of their vigilant oversight. The mask-wearing policy will be subject to ongoing evaluation based on the latest epidemiological data. She calls for the collaborative efforts of the community to curb the transmission of COVID-19 and mitigate the risk of nosocomial diseases.
As we navigate these challenging times, the CISSS des Laurentides emphasizes the collective responsibility we all share in safeguarding public health.
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