Bluewater Health implements mandatory masking amid rise in flu cases

In response to a significant increase in influenza activity, Bluewater Health has implemented a masking policy. CTV’s Lauren Stallone explains.

Hospitals across the province introduced mandatory masking in clinical areas as influenza cases continue to rise, with Sarnia’s Bluewater Health becoming the latest facility to implement the precaution.

Dr. Michel Haddad, chief of staff and vice-president of medical affairs at Bluewater Health, said the decision was made to protect both patients and staff.

“Out of an abundance of precaution to protect our staff and patients, we decided to implement this mandatory masking whenever we are within two metres of a patient and assume that basically everybody is positive,” said Haddad.

Haddad said he has witnessed the severity of this year’s flu season firsthand.

He is encouraging residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations, including both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

“Knowing they are not 100 per cent effective, they will really reduce to a certain extent the impact of such infection, so you don’t end up in the hospital,” he said.

Hospital officials said masking is just one layer of protection being used to limit the spread of infection.

Haddad said staff who may be exposed to influenza without protection, are offered antiviral medication.

“Our staff, if we think they’ve been exposed to influenza without any protection, then we will also offer them Tamiflu, which is given within 48 hours of contracting the virus,” he said.

With the holiday season approaching, Haddad urges people to be mindful of their symptoms and who they interact with, particularly those who might be more vulnerable to severe illness.

“If you think that any family member is at high risk of getting really sick if they contract influenza, then it’s probably best to stay away from them,” he said.

Bluewater Health said it would continue to review its masking requirements and make changes based on respiratory illness trends.

“Try to enjoy the holiday season as much as you can, but not get sick or get anybody else sick,” Haddad added.

Symptoms of influenza could include fever, cough, body aches and extreme tiredness.