(file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

COVID-19

Masks taken from Victoria Hospital

Mar 17, 2020 | 11:55 AM

The Victoria Hospital has moved a supply of surgical masks at the entrance to the building after large quantities were taken.

In a statement the SHA said masks are still available for individuals who require them.

Media reports outline shortages of masks around the country caused by increased demand from health professionals and panic-buying by the public.

“There has been situations where individuals have taken large quantities of the masks that have been available at the entrance to the Victoria Hospital,” an SHA spokesperson said in an email. “As a response, they have been moved from that location. We are making masks available for individuals who require them.”

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the wearing of masks by healthy individuals is not recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and may even give a false sense of security. There is a risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal and masks must be changed frequently.

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If someone has symptoms of COVID-19, their healthcare provider may recommend they wear a mask while seeking or waiting for medical care. In this case the mask acts as a barrier to help stop tiny droplets from spreading when someone coughs or sneezes.

On Monday the provincial government announced tight restrictions on visitors to hospitals, clinics and community and continuing care facilities. Only visits by immediate family on compassionate grounds, for example end of life care or before major surgeries, are now allowed.

Meanwhile the scale of the problem at The Victoria Hospital doesn’t seem to be anywhere near news out of Germany on Tuesday where it was reported thieves took 50,000 protective masks from a facility in Cologne.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom