Changes are being made to the masking policy at our local hospitals.
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance officials say effective Monday, masking will still be required in any clinical area of the hospitals including inpatient units, emergency departments, and waiting rooms.
Masking is recommended but no longer required in public spaces and non-clinical areas including hallways, elevators, and cafeterias.
The updates, officials say, are being made based on the most recent Public Health Ontario guidance.
“Masks continue to be a key tool for infection prevention and control,” says Erica Jensen, Manager Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control. “But with risks being lower right now, due to the fact that the vast majority of Ontarians have been either vaccinated or exposed to the virus, our masking guidelines can be relaxed slightly.”
HPHA officials say that Universal Masking may be reintroduced based on disease activity, during respiratory season, and for outbreak management.
