Masks are still mandated in some congregate-care settings, including long-term care and retirement homes
While masks are no longer required in most indoor settings in Ontario, public health officials are reminding residents of St. Thomas and Oxford and Elgin counties that face coverings are still recommended – and occasionally required – in some situations.
Masks are still mandated by the provincial government for long-term care and retirement homes since their residents are disproportionately susceptible to the COVID-19 virus, Southwestern public health officials said. Face coverings are also strongly encouraged in acute care and congregate-care settings.
Businesses, including health-care settings, are also encouraged to consider implementing, or maintaining, masking policies for indoor public settings, officials said.
In the Oxford and Elgin counties region, Southwestern public health continues to screen for infection using posted signing. The health unit also requires staff and visitors to be masked during any dental, sexual health, mass immunization or other public-health clinics, as well as home visits with families of young children or school-based vaccination clinics.
“Generally, everyone should make decisions about masking based on risk to themselves and those around them,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, the region’s acting medical officer of health. “Consider whether there is COVID-19 or other infectious diseases in the community, if you will be in a crowded setting, or if you will be around people who are at a higher risk of complications from an illness. These are situations to consider masking-up to help keep each other healthy.”