May 23, 2025
Hi all,
I have some terrific and long-awaited news to share with you this Friday afternoon. According to respiratory illness surveillance on the Island and across Atlantic Canada, respiratory season is ending. Yes, you can take off that mask.
Effective May 23, 2025, the Executive Leadership Team, in collaboration with Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness, Infection Prevention & Control, and PEI’s CPHO, has approved the deactivation of measures within the Health PEI Respiratory Illness (COVID-19 and Influenza) Management Policy.
Here’s what that means for all health care workers:
- Universal masking is no longer mandatory for all direct patient care;
- Staff must follow routine personal protective equipment practices; and,
- Staff must follow routine practices, e.g., hand hygiene, cleaning of patient care equipment and the environment.
As we look ahead to summer, we are also actively looking ahead for the next respiratory season. Health PEI is committed to the protection of our health care workers, students, volunteers, and contract workers. We will share COVID-19 and influenza immunization guidelines along with further information regarding the fall 2025 COVID-19 and influenza immunization campaign provided by your Employee Health Nursing Team.
Health PEI will remain in contact with CPHO to monitor data, trends, and up-to-date immunization recommendations as we enter the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season and will reactivate the Health PEI Respiratory Illness (COVID-19 and Influenza) Management Policy, when required.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the prevention of respiratory illnesses within our facilities and communities.
Mel