Masking Requirements for Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

We continue to see an increase in the number of respiratory-related illnesses within our Inpatient Clinical Units and respiratory-related visits in our Emergency Department. As the level of viral respiratory activity increases within our communities, and to reduce further impacts on our care services, we will be stepping up our masking requirements effective Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

As of November 1, masking will be required for all areas that provide clinical care services, including waiting areas. Masking will be required by all staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers and Essential Care Partners/Care Partners (ECPs/CPs) when entering an area that provides clinical care.

Masking is now required within the following areas at all times:

• All Inpatient Units.
• All Departments and Outpatient Units where clinical services are provided, including waiting areas.
• Emergency Department – all areas including the waiting areas.
• Cancer Centre – all areas including waiting areas.
• Transitional Care Unit (TCU).

Additionally, all staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers and ECPs/CPs are encouraged to maintain six feet of physical distancing, and if not able, then wear a level 3 mask.

Masks are available at all of our public entrances on the sanitizing stands. Please make use of the hand sanitizer dispensers available throughout the Hospital.

Our Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team continuously monitors the need to expand masking requirements based on infection levels and should masking requirements change, they will be communicated broadly.

Thank you for your cooperation.