Health PEI Occupational Health, Safety, & Wellness and Infection Prevention and Control, in collaboration with the Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) have been routinely monitoring indicators for respiratory illnesses, including the number of outbreaks in our healthcare facilities. As a result of the current trends, EFFECTIVE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, Health PEI is activating measures in the Respiratory Illness (COVID-19 and Influenza) Immunization and Management Policy for the respiratory season until further notice.
FOR STAFF (REQUIRED):
Under the policy, the following measures are required:
- Universal masking is mandatory for all direct patient care;
- Wear a surgical mask when within 2 meters of any patient/resident/client;
- Initiate droplet / contact precautions when caring for a patient/resident/client experiencing Influenza-like Illness (confirmed or suspected COVID, Influenza, RSV or any other respiratory illness); and
- Follow routine practices (i.e. hand hygiene, cleaning of patient care equipment, and cleaning of the environment).
All Health PEI staff are strongly encouraged to get their up-to-date COVID and Influenza immunizations. The Provincial Employee Health Nursing Team is currently offering Influenza and COVID-19 immunization clinics across the province throughout the months of October and November. Information on immunization clinics can be found on the Staff Resource Centre, Respiratory Illness Guidance, Documentation & Protocol page.
FOR THE PUBLIC:
We are also strongly encouraging members of the public, visitors, and Partners in Care to wear masks in all Health PEI buildings; however, it is not a mandatory requirement at this time.
Patients are encouraged to wear a mask when outside of their rooms in acute care, when they are able to tolerate wearing a mask. However, it is not mandatory that they do wear a mask.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Lara Kispal, Director Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness, lkispal@ihis.org or Tara Ferguson, Director Infection Prevention & Control, tlferguson@ihis.org.
Thank you all for your ongoing dedication and support.
Mel