Province drops mask mandate; Niagara hospitals say ‘keep them on’

The Province is dropping all mask mandates as of tomorrow (June 11) but Niagara hospitals are having none of that.

People who wish to go into the region’s hospitals are being told now: No mask, no entry.

“Although provincial masking mandates will change on Saturday, June 11, Niagara Health will continue to require everyone who comes into any of our hospital sites to continue to wear a face mask, including when visiting at a patient’s bedside,” said the health unit in a release.

Their rationale is based in medicine and science. “Hospitals care for vulnerable patients who are at heightened risk of infection. Continuing to follow masking is an effective infection prevention and control measure against COVID-19.”

“Masking helps us to maintain a safe environment for our patients and their loved ones, and for our staff, physicians and volunteers, by limiting the risk of infection transmission and outbreaks.”

In fact, there are absolutely no changes to Niagara’s Health visitor guidelines, which remain:

• Complete COVID-19 screening online before entering.
• Wearing a mask at all times while inside the hospital.
• Clean hands when entering or leaving spaces.
• Practice physical distancing where possible.
• No eating or drinking inside patient rooms and other areas not designated for food or drink consumption.
• Wear identifying stickers in an easy-to-see spot.
• Be respectful.

And they are extending the same policy for long-term care facilities. “Consistent with provincial direction for long-term care, masking will also continue to be mandatory in our Extended Care Unit at the Welland Site.”