With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Guelph’s hospital – including an ongoing outbreak in one of its wings – hospital officials are turning back the clock with a policy on face masks.
As of Aug. 1, masks are mandatory in all clinical areas of the hospital, including waiting rooms, nursing stations and in patient rooms.
Hallways, meeting rooms, break rooms and shared offices are among the areas where masks are not required.
The decision on what the hospital calls a mask-friendly approach was made following guidance made by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, calling the choice difficult but necessary.
A news release from the hospital also indicates COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the community.
“Masking stations are available at the entrances to our facilities as well as at nursing stations,” Karen Suk-Patrick, GGH’s vice president, people strategy & community, said.
“There are also collection bins at various locations across the hospital where you can discard disposable masks as part of our green, waste diversion initiative.”
The hospital currently has eight patients and seven staff members who have tested positive for the virus.
An outbreak was declared on Tuesday for the hospital’s 5 West inpatient unit.
"As with any outbreak we have taken every precaution necessary to protect those that work and receive care at Guelph General Hospital," said hospital spokesperson Carla Kostiak.
In addition to the mask mandate, patient admissions to the impacted unit have been paused, visitors are not permitted (except on compassionate grounds), and students and volunteers are not permitted.
Enhanced cleaning measures have also been implemented.
"We also continue to encourage everyone to practice good hand hygiene, wear personal protective equipment, and maintain physical distancing where possible," she added.
