Masks encouraged at all Health P.E.I. facilities starting Oct. 16

PEI · New In response to increased respiratory illness across the province, Health P.E.I. is implementing a masking policy in its facilities starting Friday. Masks will be available at entrances to Health P.E.I. facilities Lucas McInnis · CBC News · Posted: Oct 15, 2026 1:03 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago Listen to this article Estimated 2 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology.

Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. Members of the public are being asked to wear a mask when within two metres of a patient, and in hallways of acute care settings. (narongpon chaibot/Shutterstock) In response to increased respiratory illness activity across the province, Health P.E.I. is implementing a masking policy in its facilities starting Friday.

Members of the public will be asked to wear a mask when within two metres of a patient. Masking will also be encouraged in hallways of acute care settings. Health P.E.I. said in a release that the move is for continued patient safety.

"This is an important decision that receives careful consideration," Jillian Nixon, Health P.E.I.'s director of occupational health, safety and wellness, is quoted as saying in the release. "Masking during respiratory illness season protects everyone, including patients, staff, and the public.

Masking is just one proactive step we can take to help keep the system stable." P.E.I. sees big drop in RSV hospitalizations with expanded vaccine access, says CPHO How good is this year's flu shot? Here's what to know about flu season Masks will be available at entrances to Health P.E.I. facilities and the health authority said it will update the masking policy when it is safe to do so.

Health P.E.I. staff are being encouraged to get up-to-date COVID and influenza immunizations. Staff also have guidelines for when it is OK to remove their masks, the release said. Staff will also follow infection control procedures.

Those procedures include proper hand hygiene, staying home when unwell and reporting respiratory illness to a manager or supervisor. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lucas McInnis is a journalist at CBC Prince Edward Island. He can be reached at lucas.mcinnis@cbc.ca.