The following memo has been sent to all Staff and Medical Staff on behalf of Dr. Réka Gustafson, Vice President, Population and Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer, and Marko Peljhan, Vice President of Clinical Services Central/South Island and Provincial Programs
Re: Updated Viral Respiratory Illness Policy
As we see an increase in Viral Respiratory Illnesses, influenza and RSV, we are implementing the Ministry of Health’s VRI Policy.
Below is an overview of the key updates:
- Routine Practices
- The policy emphasizes a holistic approach to infection prevention, including:
- Practicing appropriate hand hygiene.
- Staying up to date with vaccinations.
- Avoiding work or visits when experiencing fever.
- Wearing PPE as required by Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA) or when additional precautions (such as droplet and contact precautions) are implemented.
- The policy emphasizes a holistic approach to infection prevention, including:
- Targeted Masking in Patient Care Areas
The policy shifts away from universal masking across all areas to a more targeted approach. Masks are now required only in patient care areas where patients, residents or clients are actively receiving care, particularly those with respiratory symptoms. This change aims to ensure that protective measures are used when most needed.
3. Visitor Masking Requirements in Long-Term Care
Visitors to long-term care and seniors’ assisted living facilities will no longer be required to wear masks when visiting with their loved ones, and no other residents. This adjustment prioritizes the mental health and emotional well-being of residents by allowing more personal, face-to-face interactions while still minimizing the risks of VRI transmission.
Discourage visitors from entering healthcare settings if they have any symptoms consistent with a VRI. They must also follow local IPAC (Infection Protection and Control) guidance, which may include wearing PPE when visiting patients under additional precautions.
Exceptions to the medical masking requirements are allowed for:
- people under five years old,
- people unable to wear a mask because of a health condition or a physical or mental impairment,
- people unable to put on or remove a mask without help from another person, and;
- people communicating with someone with a hearing impairment.
Healthcare Worker Illness and Return to Work
Staff and physicians may return to work when they are no longer experiencing fever without the use of fever reducing medicine and feel well enough to work.
There is no specific timeframe before returning to work; it is based on your symptoms and ability to resume normal activities.
Policy Duration and Review
The VRI Policy will remain in effect until VRI season is declared over in the spring (March/April), based on ongoing reviews of BC’s VRI epidemiology and health system trends.
Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccinations are strongly recommended for all staff as a critical measure to protect both health care workers and patients during the VRI season. Staying current with vaccinations ensures a robust defense against viral respiratory illnesses.
Your Role in Implementation
We appreciate your continued diligence in implementing these enhanced infection control measures. Please review the updated policy and adhere to all IPAC practices. Healthcare workers, patients and visitors all play essential roles in maintaining a safe environment, and adherence to these IPAC principles is vital for safeguarding public health.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact your supervisor. Thank you for your commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.