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Masking, Essential Care Partner / Care Partner, and Hospital Entrance Update

by Marcello Bernardo
Phase 3
As we continue to see lower rates of COVID-19 in our community, we are happy to move forward with Phase 3 of our transition out of pandemic response activities.

As we continue to see lower rates of COVID-19 in our community, we are happy to move forward with Phase 3 of our transition out of pandemic response activities.

When entering our Hospital, you will still need to sanitize your hands and self-screen for the symptoms posted at entrances.

As of May 25, 2023:

  • Patients, Essential Care Partners (ECPs) and Care Partners (CPs) are no longer required to wear a mask when entering our Hospital. However, it is important to note that ECPs and CPs are required to wear a mask if they are symptomatic and their presence is essential for a patient, or per Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) protocols (e.g. should an outbreak occur or based on the condition of the patient they are visiting). Patients are required to wear a mask if they are symptomatic or should IPAC protocols require masking.
  • Staff, Professional Staff, Learners and Volunteers are required to wear a mask if providing direct patient care and as required per IPAC protocols. Masking will no longer be required in public areas like the Cafeteria or Robin’s Donuts.

Masks will continue to be available at our entrances for those who wish to use them, or should their symptoms require it. As a reminder, the following entrances are for public use:

  • Main Entrance (6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
  • Emergency Department is for designated emergency only. Other Hospital areas will not be accessible through the Emergency Department.
  • Labour and Delivery doors for Labour and Delivery patients, ECPs and CPs.
  • Renal Doors for Renal patients, ECPS and CPs (6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
  • Door G for afterhours MRI patients (between 11:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.)

This marks the end of our phased transition out of COVID-19 response and our core response activities have now been integrated into operations where ongoing monitoring will continue.

We want to thank you for your cooperation, and please continue to be kind to your health care team as they provide safe, quality care for the people of Northwestern Ontario.