Masks Are No Longer Required!
You could hear the cheering down the hallways of Menno Place today as Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that she has lifted the mask mandate for Long Term Care and Assisted Living effective immediately! You can read the BC Government announcement here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HLTH0039-000473
What Has Changed?
STAFF
- Masks are no longer required to be worn by long-term care and assisted living staff
- Staff masking scaled back to Point of Care Risk Assessment
- Staff may choose to wear a mask if they wish – highly recommended during Enhanced Monitoring
- No longer required to actively screen upon arrival at work
- Potlucks celebrations are a GO (if not on Enhanced Monitoring) with safe infection control practices
VISITORS
- Lifting of visitor proof of vaccination
- Removal of visitor Rapid Point of Care Testing
- Lifting of visitor universal masking requirements
- Removal of screening practices for visitors
- Visitors may visit more than one resident and in all common areas
- No restrictions on gatherings indoors or outdoors
- Visitors no longer have to be screened in Independent Living, Assisted Living or Long Term Care
What Has Not Changed?
STAFF
- Hand hygiene practice essential
- Masks use based on Point of Care Risk Assessment and standard precautions
- Mandatory Immunization for staff
- Staff to stay home if ill
VISITORS
- Visitors to stay home if ill
- Hand hygiene practice essential
- Sign-in and Sign-out at each visit
Thank you to all staff for wearing your masks for all this time and working with us to keep our residents, families, visitors and staff safe!
