UPDATE 1:30 p.m.
The Ministry of Health expects masking rules to remain in place in B.C. healthcare facilities until the spring.
The ministry says it has brought in the temporary measure due to the increasing spread of respiratory illness.
“Current surveillance trends show that influenza and RSV activity is increasing, and COVID-19 activity is stable but showing early signs of an increase,” the ministry statement said.
“Temporary measures like these have been regularly used in health-care settings both pre- and post-pandemic, including last year. In conjunction with existing infection control practices, they will help curb the spread of respiratory illness this season and keep patients, residents and health-care workers safe.”
The statement said the masking requirement will be in effect until the risk decreases, which is likely this spring.
"Public health experts will continue to monitor risk levels throughout the respiratory illness season."
ORIGINAL 10:55 a.m.
Masks are now required in hospitals and other health-care settings across B.C.
Visitors and patients to Kelowna General Hospital on Wednesday are being asked to wear masks when they enter both the emergency department and main entrance of the facility.
The Ministry of Health is expected to comment on the situation later today, but a policy document sent to health authorities says the measure is being brought in to control the spread of viral respiratory illnesses such as influenza, RSV and COVID-19.
All health-care workers in a patient care area of a hospital, long-term care or assisted living facility must wear masks.
Patients must wear masks when directed by health-care workers, during provision of direct patient care, if medically tolerated.
“Patients and the people accompanying them must wear a medical mask over their nose and mouth in all emergency departments and waiting rooms,” said the document.
Visitors must also wear a mask in patient care areas, such as when entering the building, but a mask is not required when directly visiting a single resident.
Masks are mandatory when visiting with more than one patient.
Other exceptions are in place for those under five years old, those who cannot put on or remove a mask without help, or those who cannot wear one due to a physical or mental impairment.
