Guelph General Hospital implements ‘mask-friendly’ approach to prevent spread of COVID-19

As cases of COVID-19 reportedly rise in Guelph, health officials are moving to restrict infection at the hospital.

Guelph General Hospital has implemented a ‘mask-friendly’ approach that went into effect on Thursday, meaning masks will be mandatory in clinical areas at the hospital.

According to Guelph General Hospital, the decision was made to implement the mask policy with guidance from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

Clinical areas include waiting rooms, nursing stations, and patient rooms. Masks are not required in hallways, meeting rooms, breakrooms, and shared offices.

Staff have set up masking stations at the hospital entrance, with collection bins in place to discard disposable masks as you leave the premises.

“We realize this news will affect each of us differently, please be kind to yourself and each other as we navigate these necessary changes,” said Karen Suk-Patrick, Vice President of People, Strategy & Community at Guelph General Hospital, in a press release.