Several hospitals tighten mask rules – CBC
They cite COVID-19 trends rising, flu and RSV season approaching
Sep 08, 2023
Several eastern Ontario hospitals have tightened their masking rules as flu season approaches and COVID-19 indicators gradually rise.
At The Ottawa Hospital, masks will be required in waiting rooms and clinical areas such as patient rooms and nursing stations on Monday, Sept. 11.
The new rules will be in place for “the duration of the respiratory virus season,” it added in a news release. Masking will remain “encouraged but optional” in non-clinical settings.
The move comes on the heels of a similar decision at the Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH), which reintroduced mandatory masking in all clinical and waiting areas on Aug. 28.
“Masks are recommended but not required in public areas outside of clinical areas, such as hallways, elevators, cafeterias, and coffee shops,” QCH said in an announcement posted on its website.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-kingston-hospital-mask-rule-covid-flu-1.6959762
