Starting today, anyone entering a health care facility in Newfoundland and Labrador will have to wear a face mask.

Government announced last week that masks would be making a temporary return in all hospitals and health care facilities, including personal and long-term care homes, in an attempt to limit the spread of respiratory illness.

Reported cases of COVID-19 remain steady according to the latest update on the province’s respiratory illness dashboard. Forty-five new cases of the virus were reported during the period from January 21-27. During that time there were eight hospitalizations and one death.

Influenza is making the rounds with 105 confirmed cases during the last week of January. Of those cases, 32 people were admitted to hospital, two of which were in critical care. Three people have died as a result.

When it comes to vaccination, a little over 25 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have received their flu shot, while less than 18 per cent are up to date on their COVID vaccines.

The Department of Health will re-evaluate its masking requirements in health care facilities on March 31.