After the World Health Organization ended the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 in May, local health care facilities are lifting mask-wearing requirements for visitors.
For Group Health Centre patients who are not yet aware, the GHC decided to remove the requirement for universal masking at its facilities on June 12, 2023.
As SooToday previously reported, Sault Area Hospital lifted its mask requirements for patients, visitors and essential caregivers Aug. 1 though masks are still encouraged in certain areas of the hospital.
“Wearing masks will no longer be mandatory for staff, patients, and visitors at GHC facilities,” stated Danielle Dupuis, Group Health Centre communications specialist in an email.
“We appreciate that everyone has different preferences and comfort levels, and some individuals may still choose to wear masks. We will continue to make masks available to all healthcare workers, patients, and visitors who wish to wear them. GHC will continue its practice of assessing patients to determine if wearing masks is required. It is recommended that patients wear a mask if experiencing a fever or respiratory symptoms. GHC is committed to keeping patients, visitors and healthcare workers safe. Masking requirements may be adjusted in response to community transmission concerns and local public health recommendations,” Dupuis wrote.