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Chief executive Melanie Fraser says the Island's emergency departments and acute-care units have been straining under a heavy workload for weeks.

More importantly, Fraser says the peak of cold and flu season has yet to arrive. 

Health officials say the mandatory masking policy is particularly important for vulnerable people, including those living in long-term care facilities.

Meanwhile, all Health P.E.I. staff will continue to follow infection control procedures, including proper hand hygiene, staying home when ill and reporting any respiratory illness to their supervisor. 

“This is not a decision we made lightly,� Fraser said in a statement. "We must take all precautions necessary to prevent more people from getting sick.�

This report by ¹ú²úÓÕ»ó¸£Àû was first published Jan. 24, 2025.