Niagara Health Updating Masking Policy

New masking requirements to take effect on Wednesday

Niagara Health is relaxing its masking policy. 

Starting on Wednesday, masks will not be required in break rooms, charting rooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, nursing stations, hallways and elevators.

"The decision to update our masking requirements was made in consideration of no longer being in the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic," says Dr. Karim Ali, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control and Director, Division of Infectious Diseases. "In addition, based on serological data, approximately 95 per cent of Ontario’s population have either had a COVID-19 exposure or infection, which supports herd immunity, in addition to high rates of vaccination against COVID-19, as well as a steady decline in COVID-19-related and other respiratory viruses within the hospital and 
community."

Patients and visitors are encouraged to wear a mask where possible, especially when in contact with patients or healthcare workers, or when in waiting rooms or outpatient settings. 

This includes Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Centres, Ambulatory Clinics, Dialysis units, the Walker Family Cancer entre and outpatient mental health and group therapy settings. 

Patients with fever or respiratory symptoms still have to wear a mask in all settings, unless they're in an inpatient room or bed space. 

As well, all staff and physicians still need to wear a mask while attending to patients. 

Niagara Health says masks will be provided to anyone entering the hospital who wants one. 

The organization also plans to work towards ending universal masking in clinical settings in the next four to six weeks. 

"This phased approach is necessary to consider the long-term implementation strategy, monitor situations with reduced masking requirements and identify areas where universal masking should continue."

In addition, visitors with fever or respiratory symptoms should stay away from the hospital, except in exceptional circumstances such as visiting an end of life patient. 

Visitors with symptoms are advised to wear a mask.