A 3M mask is shown in Mississauga, Ont., on Friday, April 3, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)
WINNIPEG — The organization representing doctors in the province is encouraging the public to continue wearing a mask when attending a physician’s office or clinic.
Doctors Manitoba says when provincial health orders change on Saturday, doctors’ offices, like hospitals and other health-care facilities, are continuing to take several precautions to keep patients, visitors and staff protected from COVID-19, including the use of masks.
“Protecting the health and well-being of patients is a priority for physicians, and masks continue to have a benefit in medical settings given the current risk of COVID-19 transmission,” said Dr. Kristjan Thompson, president of Doctors Manitoba.
“Clinics, hospitals and other health facilities have to be a safe and welcoming environment, especially for patients that may be at increased risk from COVID-19.”
As of Saturday, mask use will be optional in indoor public places, but many individual businesses may override the loosened restrictions and implement their own mask policy.
Other safety measures in health-care facilities may vary by location, but will likely include:
- Requiring patients and visitors to wear masks
- Requiring patients and visitors to screen and report COVID-19 symptoms before entering
- Providing safe physical distance between patients in common areas like waiting rooms
- Continuing the use of personal protective equipment by physicians and staff
- Offering virtual visits as an option for some medical issues
