Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has re-introduced mandatory masking “in several key patient care areas” in response to rising COVID-19 activity in the community. The hospital says this measure is effective immediately.
“Masks are now mandatory in all inpatient units, the Emergency Department, Urgent Care Centre and the Children’s Outpatient Clinic,” KHSC said on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
Additionally, KHSC said that all individuals would “be supported in their decision to wear a mask in areas where masking is not required.”
The hospital also said that masks would be made upon entry to all visitors to the hospital and in all clinical areas.
“Staff will wear a mask when caring for patients who are wearing a mask in areas where masking is not required,” KHSC also confirmed.
According to KHSC, caregivers or visitors with infectious symptoms will be required to postpone their visit until their symptoms have improved. “If it is necessary for the caregiver (e.g. parent of a child, family of end-of-life patient or caregiver of a patient with dementia) to be present, then the caregiver is required to mask and remain masked upon entry to the hospital site,” the hospital explained.
“Our top priority is the safety of our patients, health-care workers and community,” KHSC said. “We thank everyone for helping to prevent the spread of the virus within the hospital, including adherence to our screening processes, masking requirements and visitor restrictions.”
KHSC reintroduces mandatory masking in some areas due to rising COVID-19 levels
