Starting Monday, Dec. 1, people who haven’t had their flu shot will have to wear a mask when they enter Davidson and District Health Centre as well as other Heartland Health Region facilities where patient care and services are provided.
To minimize the spread of infections, Surgical/procedure masks will be available to people who have chosen not to be immunized against influenza. Instructions on how to put on and take off the masks will be posted to help people unfamiliar with wearing masks.
The requirement to be immunized or wear a mask is part of a new province-wide influenza immunize or mask policy in effect in all Saskatchewan health regions and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. The purpose is to further protect the health and safety of patients. It also serves to further protect healthcare workers, their colleagues, families, friends and communities.
All people are expected to immunize or mask if they come into hospitals, long-term care facilities, primary health care sites, public health locations and other sites where patients, residents or clients typically access health region care or services. It includes common areas in these facilities such as hallways, lobbies, and waiting rooms, as well as patient rooms, wards, units, departments and other areas where patients, residents or clients typically access care or services.
It is not too late to get your influenza immunizations. Public flu clinics continue in Heartland Health Region through December. From January 2015 to March 2015, flu shots are available at public health offices.
The immunize or mask policy remains in effect until April 3, 2015, the approximate end of the annual influenza season.