NS Health bringing back masking at health-care facilities as COVID cases climb

HALIFAX, N.S. — Bring your mask next time you’re headed to a Nova Scotia Health facility and be prepared to wear it.

The province’s health authority is instituting mandatory medical masking in various settings starting this Thursday.

Patients, staff, and visitors will be expected to mask up in common and public areas such as hallways, elevators, staircases, and cafeterias; all clinical care areas where patients, clients, families and essential care partners and caregivers are present; and all inpatient and ambulatory care settings.

The move comes as COVID-19 cases are on the rise and with the flu and respiratory illness season looming.

Masks will be available at all public entrances.

While there are no changes to support person restrictions at this time, NS Health is reminding anyone with even a single COVID-19 symptom to steer clear.