Starting Friday, anyone visiting a patient at Windsor Regional Hospital will be asked to wear a mask.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the hospital said it is implementing the policy as a proactive measure because it historically sees an increase in respiratory illness and outbreaks during the first two weeks of January.
"You can spread viruses to vulnerable individuals even before you start to feel sick,” said Erika Vitale, WRH’s Director of Infection Control. “Wearing a mask when in close contact, such as in a patient’s room, is a simple measure that can reduce the risk to everyone.”
Patients must also wear a mask outside their designated bed space.
Staff have been masking within two metres of patients since mid-October.