AHS mask mandate is up to each region to decide (Canadian Press image)

By The Canadian Press

Regions and hospitals free to ignore mandate

New mask mandates for Alberta hospitals

Oct 12, 2023 | 6:24 AM

EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services is adopting stricter masking rules in hospitals as it deals with rising COVID-19 outbreaks.

However, regions and individual hospitals are free to ignore the changes.

A-H-S says it’s mandating enhanced masking by all staff, physicians, midwives, students, volunteers, contracted service providers and lab workers in acute-care facilities.

Masks are also required for patients, helpers and visitors in emergency departments, and they could be expanded to other parts of a hospital, including hallways, gift shops, cafeterias, and elevators.

The final say on adopting the rules is up to the five geographic health regions and the hospitals they oversee.

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It’s not clear who has the final say, if the regions and the hospitals disagree.

A-H-S says it expects the regions and hospitals to work things out in the best interest of patients.

(The Canadian Press)