Nova Scotia Health, IWK to drop mask requirements in some facility areas

Nova Scotia's two health authorities plan to drop masking requirements in most areas of their facilities next week, though masks will still be required in high-risk areas.

Nova Scotia’s two health authorities plan to drop COVID-19 masking requirements in some areas of their facilities this week, though masks will still be required in high-risk spaces.

Nova Scotia Health and the IWK Health Centre are changing their guidelines beginning Monday.

Nova Scotia Health spokesperson Jennifer Lewandowski said in a statement that this was an “evaluated response to where we are as an organization and what’s occurring in the community from a COVID-19 perspective.”

“While COVID-19 continues to circulate, COVID-19 activity has continued to decline with fewer hospitalizations and outbreaks and fewer health-care staff off work due to COVID-19,” the statement said.

“It is a good time to make a measured step. We will continue to reassess our guidance and other measures and will make changes if needed.”

She said masks will still be required in inpatient areas, emergency departments and some designated outpatient areas that provide services to high-risk patients, “most specifically those patients who are at a high risk for severe outcome from COVID-19 infection.”

“We are continuing masking in the highest-risk areas in our facilities and remain committed to the protection of our patients, clients, essential care partners and visitors,” said Lewandowski.

“A detailed point-of-care risk assessment is required for every patient interaction to determine what level of personal protective equipment may be required during their care or service.”