Masks now required at all Nova Scotia Health sites

A pile of protective face masks is pictured. Photographer: Bloomberg Creative Photos/Bloomberg

Nova Scotia Health says masking is required throughout all its facilities beginning Thursday.

However, the health authority says masks are not required in:

• administrative buildings
• private offices, nursing stations, or conference rooms (if no patients are present)
• cafeterias (when people are seated)
• patient bed-spaces (for patients, partners, and visitors)

Nova Scotia Health says some other exceptions may be allowed in specific cases and people should check with staff.

The health authority says the change is due to increased respiratory illness in the province.

“This measure is for the safety of our patients and visitors. Signs will be posted at entrances and masks will be made available,” reads a post on social media.

Masking in non-acute care clinics is also at the discretion of staff.

IWK Health made masking mandatory for all staff, visitors and patients at its Halifax facility last month.

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