4 COVID outbreaks reported as mask rules return at Horizon facilities

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Horizon Health Network has reintroduced masking rules across its facilities as new government data shows a rise in respiratory illness.

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Fifty-four confirmed cases of COVID-19 – along with four outbreaks, including one at a nursing home – were reported between July 27 and Aug. 23, according to the provincial government’s latest Respiratory Watch report released Wednesday.

That’s more than double the number of COVID cases and three times the number of outbreaks reported during the prior four-week period, which ran from June 29 to July 26.

Ahead of the release of this data, Horizon announced Tuesday the return of mandatory masking in all patient-facing/clinical areas across its facilities effective Wednesday.

All health-care workers, patients, social visitors and designated support persons are required to wear medical-grade face masks in all clinical settings, including waiting areas, according to a Horizon press release.

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“We are seeing a rise in respiratory virus activity across our communities,” the Horizon release states. “With this upward trend, and knowing this time of year historically leads to further increase of viral transmission, Horizon is taking a proactive and precautionary measure and reinstating masking in patient-facing/clinical areas.”

According to its website, Vitalité Health Network advises patients and visitors to “use your judgment” and wear a mask if they have symptoms or been in contact with a positive case of COVID-19.

“We will remain vigilant, and in case of an increase in respiratory virus activity, we will reassess health measures to protect everyone’s health,” the Vitalité website states.

Brunswick News asked Vitalité Health Network Wednesday whether it plans to mandate mask use again given the rise in respiratory illness.

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A Vitalité spokesperson responded that its policy of voluntary mask-wearing for patients, visitors and staff hasn’t changed.

“However, masking is mandatory in units affected by a respiratory virus outbreak,” the spokesperson said in an email.

“We closely monitor respiratory virus activity and continually evaluate the need to reassess health measures to protect everyone’s health.”

According to the latest data, New Brunswick saw six influenza cases between July 27 and Aug. 23. No influenza cases were reported during the four-week period prior.

The number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases has remained steady this summer. One case was reported between June 29 to July 26, with another single case reported between July 27 and Aug. 23.

No hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions or deaths were reported across confirmed cases of COVID, influenza and RSV during this latest four-week period.

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