In an internal memo sent to all its staff, the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS indicates that the use of a procedural mask is now mandatory in all its facilities due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
The increase in cases in the last week, both among health workers and users, pushes the establishment to make this decision.
The progression is similar to the same date last year for COVID. (…) We have clues that point in the direction that everything is increasing, not excessively severe.
As of September 20, around a hundred employees are absent due to the virus and outbreaks have been reported in several establishments. Some deaths have been reported in these outbreaks.
mentions the assistant general directorate of the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Julie Gagné.
Ten outbreaks do not seem numerous for the size of the CIUSSS that we have, on the other hand what we notice is an increase in cases in each of these outbreaks so we really see that the circulation of COVID spreads easily among our users and among our health workers. health today.
The CIUSSS adds that other factors such as The upcoming respiratory virus season, customer vulnerability, and worker absenteeism due to respiratory virus infection.
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The mask must be worn continuously, it is said, by all workers whether or not they are in contact with the users and by visitors and caregivers.
Those who work in administrative facilities without contact with users, or who offer home and community services, are excluded from the measure.
Patients and users do not have to use it. This is a measure to protect personnel and thus avoid a shortage of workers.
In the note it is written that the directive could be extended at least until September 25.
Of course, we got used to not using it anymore, which made it easier for us to communicate with certain patients, especially older ones, says Audrey St-Louis. We also want to protect them in a sense, so we hope this will reduce COVID cases in the hospital.
It is a protection. I didn’t get COVID and I don’t want it either.
says a lady who tells herself in agreement
with this measure. We are in a hospital, of course it is good to protect yourself, but I still don’t agree.
mention another.
The public health department reminds that a broad vaccination campaign will be offered in the coming weeks. The vaccine in question will be designed to combat the different subvariants of the coronavirus.
