In response to a surge in respiratory illnesses, such as RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), COVID and influenza, many Ontario healthcare facilities are bringing back mask mandates.
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare updated its masking guidelines on Friday, requiring visitors, staff and patients to wear a hospital-issued mask within two metres of a patient or client effective Monday, Dec.18.
“We must lean on our learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic and, when appropriate, apply measures that have been proven to be effective in preventing the spread of illness,” the hospital said in a media release Friday.
“These proven measures include increased hand hygiene, accepting appropriate vaccinations, and wearing masks.”
Windsor Regional Hospital also strengthened its mask policies earlier this month. Staff, patients and visitors must wear a mask when near patients.
“Targeted masking will continue during and after the holidays to aid in reducing the spread of illness throughout this gathering season,” Hotel-Dieu said in a media release.
