The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance has updated their masking policy in their hospitals.
As of June 5, masking will be "welcomed, but no longer required" throughout many clinical areas of the hospital.
"The exception to this is any of HPHA’s Emergency Departments where masking will be required. Masking will also be required throughout the hospital sites for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory infection such as cough, fever and sore throat, and for those who are accompanying or visiting a patient with these symptoms," a release from HPHA stated.
Mask stations will still be at the entrances and throughout the hospitals for anyone who wishes to wear one.
“Masks continue to be a key tool for infection prevention and control,” said Erica Jensen, Manager Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control. “We encourage anyone who wishes to wear a mask to do so to help protect themselves and their loved ones.”
What This Means for Our Patients, Families/Caregivers and Visitors:
Masking is Required: -If you are a patient or caregiver in the Emergency Department -You have symptoms of a respiratory infection (such as cough, fever, sore throat) -You are caring for someone with a respiratory infection
You may want to wear a mask if: -You have an underlying medical condition, are immunocompromised or are an older adult -Your close contacts are more likely to get very sick if they contract COVID-19 -You are in a crowded space -You had a high-risk exposure and may become sick
“Our staff and physicians in the Emergency Department will be required to wear masks when providing care to patients,” added Jensen. “Staff and physicians will also continue to wear masks when providing care to patients in isolation precautions or with symptoms of respiratory illness. And of course, staff and physicians will be required to wear a mask if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.”