November 20, 2020

Notice to Registrants: Update on Masks

On November 19, 2020, BC’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, issued a new public health order stating that individuals, places of work and businesses in BC must significantly reduce their level of social interactions and travel. As of time of writing, this order remains in effect until midnight on December 7, 2020.

As part of the public health order, masks are now required for everyone in all public indoor settings and workplaces. This means that all registrants and patients are required to wear a mask at all clinics that provide naturopathic medical services. The College recommends all registrants and patients wear a medical (surgical) mask, however, a non-medical cloth mask is an acceptable alternative.

Exceptions

Individuals who cannot put on or remove a mask on their own are exempt from wearing a mask. Infants and young children are exempt from wearing a mask if there is a concern that the mask could cause difficulties breathing or be a choking hazard. Naturopathic physicians should exercise professional judgment in situations where patients may not be able to wear a mask for medical reasons.

Enforcement

In addition to compliance activities by WorkSafe, an Environmental Health Officers team will focus on workplaces in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health regions to ensure COVID-19 Safety Plan compliance and enable rapid response and action.

The College reminds all registrants of their obligation to comply with all public health orders issued by the provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. It is imperative that all registrants review and stay updated with all public health orders and adjust their COVID-19 safety plans accordingly.

If you have any questions in relation to this communication, please contact the College at office@cnpbc.bc.ca.

Regards,

Kellie Scott
Deputy Registrar