October 10, 2025
Hi everyone,
Health PEI Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness and Infection Prevention and Control have been routinely monitoring indicators for respiratory illnesses, including the number of outbreaks in our facilities. To protect our patients, staff, and the broader health system, EFFECTIVE TUESDAY, October 14, Health PEI is activating measures in the Respiratory Illness (COVID-19 and Influenza) Management Policy for facilities that provide patient care 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 medical 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).
Note: Masking is not required in hallways and/or cafeterias unless staff are providing care/ service. For example, a Porter transporting a patient/resident/client in the hallway would have to wear a mask. If staff are walking to the cafeteria for their break, they do not need to wear a mask as they are not providing care/ service.
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
FOR THE PUBLIC:
Members of the public, visitors, and Partners in Care are required to wear masks when within 2 metres of any patient/resident/client.
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 MacMurdo, Director Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness, lmacmurdo@ihis.org or Tara Ferguson, Director Infection Prevention & Control, tlferguson@ihis.org.
Thank you all for your ongoing dedication and support.
Mel