P.E.I. reinstates hospital masking measures as respiratory illness activity increases

New precautions coincide with National Infection Control Week and aim to protect patients, healthcare workers and visitors.

Prince Edward Island has reinstated masking measures across Health PEI facilities in response to increasing respiratory illness activity, reinforcing the importance of infection prevention as healthcare organizations across Canada prepare for the fall and winter respiratory virus season.

The measures, which took effect October 16, 2026, apply across Health PEI facilities and are intended to reduce the risk of respiratory infections among patients, healthcare workers and visitors.

Under the updated policy, members of the public are asked to wear masks when within two metres of a patient. Masking is also encouraged in hallways of acute care facilities, while healthcare workers must follow established infection prevention procedures and masking guidelines.

Masks are available at facility entrances to help patients and visitors comply with the precautions.

Health PEI says the decision follows increased respiratory illness activity across the province. The organization will continue reviewing the measures and adjust them when conditions permit.

The precautions extend beyond masking. Healthcare personnel are expected to maintain established infection control practices, including hand hygiene, appropriate cleaning procedures, staying home when ill and reporting respiratory symptoms through workplace channels.

Staff are also strongly encouraged to remain up to date with influenza and COVID-19 immunizations.

The announcement comes as Canada marks National Infection Control Week from October 19 to 23. Organized by Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada), this year’s theme, IPAC: Powered by You, emphasizes the role of healthcare professionals and others in preventing infections across care settings.

Infection prevention remains an important part of hospital operations, particularly during periods of increased respiratory virus circulation. Patients receiving hospital care may be especially vulnerable because of age, underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

Measures such as appropriate masking, hand hygiene, respiratory precautions and environmental cleaning are designed to reduce opportunities for infection transmission.

For healthcare organizations, seasonal respiratory illness also presents operational challenges. Infections can contribute to staff absences, additional isolation requirements and pressure on available patient-care resources.

P.E.I.’s decision illustrates how healthcare systems can adjust protective measures in response to changing conditions rather than maintaining identical requirements throughout the year.

As hospitals across Canada prepare for the respiratory illness season, infection prevention teams will continue to play an important role in assessing risks, supporting frontline staff and maintaining safe environments for patients and visitors.

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