**This message is sent on behalf of Dr. Roger Wong, Vice Dean, Education, UBC Faculty of Medicine and Jennifer Golinski, Senior Director, Education Programs and Services, Office of the Vice Dean, UBC Faculty of Medicine**
On Thursday, September 28, the Government of B.C. announced updated public health measures in health-care facilities to protect patients, residents in long-term care facilities, health-care workers and people during respiratory illness season.
To increase protections in health-care facilities in B.C., medical mask wearing will be required by all health-care workers, volunteers, contractors and visitors in patient care areas (including UBC faculty, staff and learners who operate in the mentioned areas) starting October 3. Health care facilities include:
- All health authority hospitals and clinical settings
- Long-term care facilities
- Seniors assisted living settings
- Private hospitals
- Provincial mental health facilities
A patient care area is any area within a health care facility (including a contracted facility), hallway or lobby, which is accessible to patients, residents in long-term care facilities or clients who are there to access care or services. This includes any other location where care is provided (such as at home and community care locations), but does not include administrative areas or private staff offices that are not generally accessed by patients, residents or clients. Long-term care visitors will be required to wear a medical mask when they are in common areas of the home and when participating in indoor events, gatherings, activities in communal areas of the care home or residence.
Ambassadors will be located at the entrances to health-care facilities to support screening for symptoms of respiratory illnesses, hand out medical masks, and ensure people clean their hands before entering.
For all UBC Faculty of Medicine learners, please contact your respective program if you have any questions. For more information visit the UBC’s Safety & Risk Services website. Additional questions can be directed to fom.safety@ubc.ca.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our communities.
Sincerely,
Roger Y.M. Wong, CM, BMSc, MD, FRCPC, FACP, FCAHS, FCGS
Vice Dean, Education
Clinical Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine
Faculty of Medicine
The University of British Columbia
Jennifer Golinski (She, Her, Hers)
Senior Director, Education Programs and Services
UBC Faculty of Medicine | Office of the Vice Dean, Education
The University of British Columbia | Vancouver Campus | Musqueam Traditional Territory
UBC Faculty of Medicine – Transforming health for everyone