Anyone visiting a hospital or long-term care facility who has not received the flu vaccine is now required to wear a mask as new provincial regulations came into effect this week.
The new policy is aimed to reduce the spread of influenza and will remain in effect until the end of flu season in the spring. Masks will be available at no cost at the entrance to all acute care facilities.
The province funds free flu vaccines to a number of at-risk groups, including children, seniors, pregnant women and aboriginals. This year, the free vaccine program has been expanded to include people who plan to visit hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
According to the most recent figures available from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, the rate of influenza infections this season are slightly below average, but within the expected range. Rates in the Northern Health region were similar to those in other jurisdictions in the province.
