Nova Scotia

N.S. Health reinstates mandatory masking to enter its facilities

Nova Scotia Health is once again making masks mandatory to enter its facilities, the organization said Tuesday.

Province had lifted some masking and screening measures

A person walks by a hospital.
Masks are now mandatory upon entering all Nova Scotia Health facilities. (Michael Gorman/CBC)

Nova Scotia Health is once again making masks mandatory to enter its facilities, the organization said Tuesday.

The health authority issued a news release saying that masks will also be required in common areas, like hallways, staircases, cafeterias and elevators, in clinical care areas where patients, families and essential caregivers are present, and inpatient and ambulatory care settings.

It cited rising COVID-19 cases and the coming influenza season, among other factors. This follows the lifting of some masking requirements in the province's hospitals over the summer and fall.

Mandatory masking continues to be required in emergency rooms, inpatient units and designated outpatient settings,the health authority said in a follow-up email. 

It said masks will be provided at all public entrances.

On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, IWK Health said Tuesday that all patients and support people would be required to wear masks in its facilities.