The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance is bringing back mandatory masking in clinical areas, ahead of respiratory illness season.
This is the second hospital group in the region to implement the measure for the winter, after the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance announced masking would return on Tuesday.
Beginning Wednesday, masking will be required when in any clinical areas of their four hospitals and recommended, but not required, in non-clinical areas. The move is to help curb the spread of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19.
Masks will be provided at stations throughout hospital sites.
"Masks continue to be a key tool for infection prevention and control," said Erica Jensen, Manager Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control. "Ontario is seeing an early start to the respiratory season this year with a high rate of test positivity for COVID-19. In response to this increase in respiratory illness, and to help keep our patients and team members safe, the decision has been made to return to mandatory masking in clinical areas of the hospital for all HPHA team members, volunteers and visitors."
Jensen adds that clinical areas will be clearly marked.
HPHA also says that Universal Masking may be reintroduced based on disease activity, during respiratory season, and for outbreak management.