The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is once again making some changes to its masking policy.
Effective immediately, the hospitals in Chatham and Wallaceburg, as well as other CKHA facilities will no longer require patients, families, or visitors to wear masks.
The same applies to hospital staff, physicians, volunteers, students, and contractors.
Masking in waiting rooms and lounges in high-risk areas such as Oncology, Dialysis and the Emergency Department continues to be encouraged for visitors and patients but is no longer a requirement.
Patients with a fever or respiratory symptoms will still be required to wear a mask.
"While masks will no longer be mandatory, CKHA will continue to support all patients, visitors, staff and physicians if they wish to wear a mask in any CKHA hospital or facility," officials said in a statement. "Medical grade masks will continue to be available at public entrances of both the Chatham and Wallaceburg sites."
Officials said CKHA’s COVID-19 policies and practices will continue to be monitored in relation to the spread of the virus.
Health Alliance management will revisit and adjust these policies if or when necessary, adhering to provincial guidance and relying on the expertise of subject matter experts.
While masks will no longer be mandatory, CKHA will continue to support all patients, visitors, staff and physicians if they wish to wear a mask in any CKHA hospital or facility.
Medical grade masks will continue to be available at public entrances of both the Chatham and Wallaceburg sites.
