Starting Wednesday, strict masking requirements will be enforced in all clinical areas across all hospitals within the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance.
Clinical areas include emergency departments, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and waiting rooms.
For non-clinical areas, masks are strongly recommended but not compulsory. That includes hallways, elevators, cafeterias, and administrative offices.
In a media release, LWHA says hospitals will continue to provide medical-grade masks for all, conveniently accessible at various stations throughout their facilities, including entrances.
The change in policy comes in light of rising community transmission rates and the onset of respiratory illness season.