Anyone who hasn't received a flu shot will now be required to wear a mask when visiting residential care or assisted living facilities within the Fraser Health Authority.
Fraser Health's chief medical health officer, Dr. Paul Van Buynder, made the announcement yesterday after declaring the level of influenza virus circulating in Fraser Health communities constitutes a health hazard under the Public Health Act.
So far this year, 19 long-term care facilities have reported influenza outbreaks, more than twice as many as were reported in each of the past two years. Influenza-related visits to emergency departments are also at the highest level seen in years.
Effective immediately, staff, volunteers and visitors who have not had a flu shot will have to wear a mask and practice stringent hand hygiene during their time at the facility.
Fraser Health is also reminding visitors to avoid going to care facilities if they're feeling unwell.
Visit www.fraserhealth.ca for more information.
