Hospital and critical care

Information for healthcare workers in hospital settings and those caring for patients hospitalized or experiencing severe COVID-19.

Last updated: March 28, 2025

Infection prevention and control guidance

Provincial Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Viral Respiratory Illness in Acute Care and Ambulatory Health Care Settings in British Columbia - updated January, 2025

Personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendation for endotracheal intubation of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients in critical care and emergency departments (BCCDC/Ministry of Health)

Masking

Continuous (universal) mask use in health-care settings is not required.

Healthcare workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks or respirators, when additional precautions are required and based on a point of care risk assessment.

Visitors are encouraged to wear medical masks in health-care settings and to practice respiratory etiquette, including:

Clean your hands often using soap and warm water or use alcohol-based hand rub
Sneeze or cough into your elbow instead of your hands
Stay away from people at higher risk of serious illness

You can also wear a mask or respirator based on your personal preference.

People who are ill or have symptoms of illness are encouraged to visit when they are feeling better and free of symptoms. Check with the healthcare facility for guidance and for any exceptions such as end of life visits. People who are ill or have symptoms of illness should seek medical care as needed.

Visitors are encouraged to wear medical masks in health-care settings and to practice respiratory etiquette, including: