Here is a quick overview to help clarify what types of masks exist and what we use here at Dockside Physiotherapy.
Back on November 20th, 2020, we decided that the use of medical/surgical grade masks OR respirators (i.e. N95 or KN95) will be mandatory for all clients while in our clinic for an added layer of safety. The use of store-bought cloth/fabric masks (including bandannas, handkerchiefs, and neck gaiters/warmers) and other homemade masks unfortunately will not be accepted at our clinic. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you do not have a medical/surgical grade mask or respirator, please let us know and we can provide you with one FREE OF CHARGE. Our physiotherapist and admin teams use medical/surgical grade masks.
We will inform everyone if this new mask protocol changes, but we feel this is the safest and best course of action considering the type of services we provide at this time. Additionally, as of April 6, 2022, Dr. Bonnie Henry recommends the continued use of medical masks by practitioners and patients/clients in medical offices, private practices and other settings when there is close, in-person patient/client contact.
Mask use, in general, is stated by the BCCDC, Health Canada, and WHO as an effective way in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. WHO further states that medical/surgical grade mask use is recommended for anyone over the age of 60 as well as those dealing with other underlying medical conditions (ref: World Health Organization).
Please note that face shields DO NOT replace the use of a face mask or respirator (ref: Health Canada). A face shield only protects the eyes of the person wearing it. Using a face shield without a mask won’t protect a person from potentially inhaling infectious respiratory droplets exhaled by others, and it won’t protect others from a person’s infectious respiratory droplets, as they can escape around the face shield. As such, using a face shield in place of a mask will not be permitted in our clinic.
