With an influx of positive COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses in Windsor-Essex, the area's hospitals are reimplementing a masking policy.
The modified mandatory masking policy will take effect on Tuesday, October 10 at 12:01 a.m at both Windsor Regional Hospital locations and Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington. All employees, professional staff, and volunteers will be required to wear masks while within two metres of any patient unless a physical barrier is already present.
Visitors are recommended to wear masks within two metres of patients. Masking is not required in non-clinical areas, such as main lobbies, waiting areas, cafeterias, and elevators. However, masking is highly encouraged for visitors and patients in waiting rooms and lounges in high-risk areas such as Dialysis Centre, the Emergency Department and the Cancer Centre.
Those who are symptomatic are asked to wear masks in all spaces.
“We continue to support those individuals who still choose to wear a mask at any time. All individuals who put on a mask should use a hospital-issued mask. Masks will be provided at hospital entrances,” read a statement from WRH.
The hospital asks that anyone not feeling well check with their family practitioner or healthcare provider to see whether you’re due for vaccinations. It thanks the public for its continued patience and support in reducing the spread of respiratory virus transmission.
