Health Minister Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry will update the state of respiratory disease in British Columbia at a press conference Wednesday morning.
The issue is making headlines across Canada, with pediatric hospitals reporting a resurgence of childhood respiratory viruses, ongoing shortages of children’s pain medications and the return of the annual flu season.
According to Health Canada, respiratory virus activity is increasing with activity of several viruses above expected levels, including a wave of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. The flu is also spreading widely, and earlier than usual.
On Monday, Dix said the respiratory disease situation in Ontario was more serious than what BC was currently experiencing.
At the time, he said the province would not change any of its masking rules.
In BC, wearing masks in indoor public settings is not mandated by public health and is a personal choice. Masks are required in all healthcare settings, such as vaccination clinics and hospitals.