Bring back mandatory masks in public health care, says Yukon NDP’s Kate White
February 13, 2024
WHITEHORSE, YT — The Yukon NDP wants the Yukon Government to reinstate mandatory face masking at public healthcare facilities.
Masks should be mandatory at all Yukon hospitals, and long-term care homes, Party Leader Kate White said Tuesday, Feb. 13.
White’s call for action follows extraordinary measures by territorial health officials to absorb a surge in hospital visits in Whitehorse.
Without a mask mandate, the Yukon Liberals’ decision allowing acute care patients at Whitehorse General Hospital to be treated at long-term care homes – where residents are more vulnerable to infection – is especially concerning, White said.
“The Liberals are saying it’s okay to use long-term care homes as makeshift hospitals. But they won’t require masks in healthcare settings when it’s peak respiratory virus season?” White asked.
“Masking is a simple way to take pressure off health care. We need to use all the tools we have to alleviate the pressure and protect patients and healthcare workers.
“I’m concerned for patients and healthcare workers who are bearing the brunt of our crumbling healthcare system. We should be doing everything we can to reduce that strain and masking just makes sense.” White urged.
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