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Nova Scotians support masks in health care: survey

6 August 2024

The results of a survey conducted by a local advocacy group suggest that Nova Scotians feel unsafe in health-care settings that lack infection control measures such as mask requirements.

Protect Our Province Nova Scotia (PoPNS), a citizen’s group, today (August 6) released the results of a survey that the organization conducted online in summer 2024. Most respondents (93 per cent) reported that they felt unsafe when masks were not worn in health-care settings. Many stated that they avoid seeking health care as a result, and have lost faith in health-care providers.

The survey results have been published on www.popns.org in the form of a summary report.

“The results are unsurprising,” said Martha Walls, a spokesperson for PoPNS. “We’ve heard so many stories from Nova Scotians, and many of us have personally experienced the worry of accessing healthcare for ourselves or a loved one in settings where protective masks are not being worn. It’s very frustrating because it’s such a simple and effective thing to do.”

Together with the survey results, PoPNS released a list of policy recommendations including the adoption of evidence-based infection control practices, such as a mandatory mask requirement in health-care facilities; transparent public reporting of risk levels within health-care facilities; regular assessment of infection control protocols in health care; and enhanced support for health-care providers.

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