2023-09-21 13:22:13
Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases among both healthcare workers and users, wearing a mask is now mandatory in all CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS establishments.
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“Wearing a procedural mask continuously is now required for all healthcare workers who work in one of our facilities where there are users, whether they are in contact with them or not,” we can say. read in the press release from the CIUSS de l’Estrie.
“In addition, wearing a procedure mask is also required for all caregivers and visitors using our facilities.”
However, the obligation does not apply to users who receive care. “People who come to our establishments to receive care themselves are not required to wear a mask, although it is strongly recommended that they do so. Often the users who present have other difficulties and we did not want to add to their discomfort at this stage,” explains the assistant general director for infection prevention and control, Julie Gagné.
This decision, according to the press release, is taken taking into account the increase in cases over the last week, the respiratory virus season which is upon us, as well as the vulnerability of customers and the absenteeism of workers “due to to respiratory virus infection.
Currently, the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS has reported around ten outbreaks of COVID-19 in its facilities as well as 113 absent employees infected with this virus.
The director of Public Health in Estrie, Isabelle Samson, invites the population to wear a mask if they have symptoms: “If you are very sick, obviously you stay at home. If the symptoms are mild, we can continue to do our activities, but it is better to wear a mask. Whether for adults at work or children at school. And we continue to wash our hands regularly.”
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