HPHA now requires masks in all hospital clinical areas

Masking is now required in all clinical areas of hospitals in the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, hospital group officials announced Wednesday.

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This policy was instituted in anticipation of the increased spread of influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 in the fall and winter months, hospital officials said in a press release. Although masking is not required in non-clinical areas, it is also being strongly recommended.

Medical-grade masks will be provided at masking stations that have been set up throughout the group’s hospital sites, officials noted.

“Masks continue to be a key tool for infection prevention and control,” said Erica Jensen, the health alliance’s manager of quality, patient safety and infection control.

The decision to make masks mandatory stems from an early start in Ontario to the respiratory illness season, including a high test positivity rate for COVID-19, Jensen said.

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“In response to this increase in respiratory illness, and to help keep our patients and team members safe, the decision has been made to return to mandatory masking in clinical areas of the hospital for all (health alliance) team members, volunteers and visitors, ”Jensen said.

According to Public Health Ontario, positivity rates for COVID-19 from Sept. 15 to Sept. 21, the most recent week for which numbers are available, hovered around 17.7 per cent, while influenza and RSV were both at 0.4 per cent. There were 103 COVID-19 outbreaks reported that week in the province, while 764 people had been hospitalized with the virus.

Areas in Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance hospitals where masking is now required include:

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• Inpatient units, Including communication stations;
• Inpatient therapy services;
• Emergency departments;
• Outpatient clinics;
• Medical imaging;
• Outpatient laboratory, and
• Waiting room services

Areas in which masking is not required, but recommended, include:

• Hallways elevators;
• Cafeterias;
• Meeting rooms;
• Education and break rooms, and
• Administrative offices

Areas where masking is a must will be clearly marked, officials said.

If you are not sure, wear a mask,” Jensen said. “If you feel sick or have symptoms of illness, you are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in all areas of our hospitals. If you are family member or caregiver who is feeling unhappy, it is advised that you postpone your visit with your loved one until you are feeling better.”

Hospital group officials also noted that universal masking may be later introduced, based on disease activity and to control outbreaks.

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