Doctors’ questions answered - Mask use policy for health care settings

On November 4, 2020, BC’s Ministry of Health announced a new Mask Use Policy that applies to all health care facilities for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.The policy mandates that all patients, visitors, health care providers, and non-clinical staff wear medical masks in settings where health care is provided. The policy highlights that mask wearing is one element of infection prevention, along with hand washing, physical distancing, quarantine/self-isolation, and staying home when ill.

Following the release of the policy, Doctors of BC obtained valuable feedback and questions from our members, which we brought to the attention of the Ministry of Health. On December 14, 2020, the Ministry released a comprehensive Q&A document*, which covers such areas as: 

• When masks must be worn
• Mask use in non-clinical areas
• Patient mask use
• Policy exemptions
• Ordering masks
• Infection prevention and control
• Mask use in long-term care and seniors’ assisted living facilities
• Mask use in other settings where health care services are provided

*The Ministry of Health document previously posted is now out of date. We will be posting an updated version as soon as possible.

If you have questions e-mail us at View Email Addresscovid19@doctorsofbc.ca, and we will connect with the Ministry to

seek out responses.