Stronger masking requirements return to Nova Scotia Health facilities

Visitors and workers at Nova Scotia Health (NSH) will see new masking requirements starting this week.

The health authority says the updated policy applies to everyone at inpatient and ambulatory areas where clinical care is provided.

NSH spokesperson Jennifer Lewandowski said the change comes in response to rising COVID-19 activity in the province.

“To ensure the safety of both patients and staff, everyone, regardless of their role or reason for being in these clinical care areas, is required to follow the updated masking policy,” Lewandowski told 95.7 NewsRadio in an email.

The IWK Health Centre is also planning to bring back stronger masking requirements as of Oct. 1.

“It’s not just COVID, it’s RSV, influenza, you name it,” said Dartmouth General emergency Dr. John Gillis. “The ERs are already at a breaking point.”