In elderly care homes, cases of deaths have significantly increased due to the severe flu season. Due to this pressing issue, Fraser Health decides to declare a health hazard and invoke special powers to protect the high-risk groups in the best way possible.
Individuals who are visiting residential care or assisted living facilities without getting a flu shot this year must use a face mask and observe proper hand hygiene. The directive aimed at reducing the likelihood of infection has a wide coverage that includes all staff, volunteers, and visitors. When an outbreak occurs, it is a public health risk and the elderly must be the priority.
This year, there have been outbreaks of the flu at more than 20 long-term residential care facilities in Fraser Health. The cases significantly doubled if compared to the previous two years.
Although long-term care residents are generally vaccinated against flu, they are still at risk due to their weak immune systems. Those who refuse to comply with the order to wear masks and wash with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be turned away.
The health authority is also urging people planning to visit care homes not to proceed if they feel sick.
For more information about this story, click here to read now.
LEARN MORE
Learn how to stay safe by enrolling in a mask fitting test which is a requirement for many workplaces and school admissions or check out our available masks for sale by visiting our face mask sale page.
LiveScience: Are Face Masks Effective in Reducing Coronavirus Spread?
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/face-masks-importance-battle-with-covid19