While some hospitals in the Windsor area make changes to their mask mandates next week, Guelph hospital is keeping its approach on masks in place for the time being.
"We have decided to take a thoughtful and cautious approach at our hospital so we can best support those that work and receive care here," Karen Suk-Patrick, vice-president of people and support services at Guelph General Hospital, said in an email to GuelphToday.
"We hope to have more to share on our approach next week."
It's in response to an announcement from hospitals, including Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Bluewater Health, Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH), Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Erie Shores HealthCare, lifting mask requirements in non-clinical areas, like main lobbies, waiting areas, cafeterias and elevators.
In addition, physicians only need to cover their mouths and nose if within two metres of a patient and there's no physical barrier, or if there's a COVID-19 outbreak in the unit.
A Windsor hospital official told The Canadian Press masking is still required for patients and visitors in high-risk areas like oncology, dialysis and the emergency department, along with waiting rooms and lounges.