Those visiting Norfolk and West Haldimand General hospitals are still required to wear a mask.
Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Kieran Moore has said the order on masking requirements would expire on June 11. Hospitals, however, have the discretion to keep the requirements in place “to support health and safety in their environments,” said Aaron Gautreau, director of communications for the local hospitals.
“This means that NGH and WHGH will continue to require everyone who enters our facilities to wear a hospital-issued face mask, including when visiting at a patient’s bedside.
“Hospitals care for vulnerable patients who are at heightened risk of infection. Continuing to follow masking is an effective infection prevention and control measure against COVID-19. Masking helps us to maintain a safe environment for our patients and their loved ones, and for our staff, physicians and volunteers, by limiting the risk of infection transmission and outbreaks.”
Officials at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital say the mask mandates will also remain in place at the medical facility.
“Our priority continues to be keeping our patients, staff and visitors safe,” says Nadia Facca, president and chief executive officer, said in a media release. “We provide acute care for patients at their most vulnerable times and therefore will continue with universal masking. It is the right thing to do, and we appreciate the support of our community in helping us to keep everyone safe.”
The mask mandate and screening procedures applies to all staff, physicians, affiliates, visitors, volunteers, contractors/vendors, patients and their families, said the release.
The Brantford Community Healthcare System, which operates Brantford General Hospital and the Willett Hospital in Paris, is keeping its mask mandate in place.
The BCHS said anyone visiting BGH or the Willett will receive a hospital-approved mask upon arrival and will be asked to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms.
There are no changes to hospital visitor guidelines at Norfolk General and West Haldimand hospitals, which include:
- Complete and pass screening
- Wear a hospital-issued mask at all times while in the hospital
- Follow strict hand hygiene guidelines
- Practice physical distancing where possible
- No eating or drinking inside the hospital
- Use public washrooms and not patient washrooms
Staff and physicians at the hospitals also will continue to follow current personal protective equipment requirements, including wearing a mask.