B.C. Reinstates Mask Mandate in Health-Care Facilities Amid Rise in Respiratory Illness Cases

B.C. health authorities have reinstated mandatory masking in health-care facilities in response to an increase in respiratory illness cases.

The provincial Health Ministry has announced that staff, volunteers, and visitors are now required to wear medical masks in patient care areas.

This mandate applies to hospitals, long-term care homes, assisted living facilities, outpatient clinics, and ambulatory care settings.

The measure is expected to remain in place until at least spring, as the B.C. Centre for Disease Control reported a rise in respiratory illness activity during the final week of 2024.