While masking mandates are being lifted in some additional settings this weekend across Ontario, Health Sciences North (HSN), like many Ontario hospitals, will continue to require universal masking for patients, designated care partners and staff.
As well, Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) have now launched a COVID-19 risk index, which will be updated weekly and “incorporates the most current and relevant data about the status of COVID-19 in the community.”
It’s a visual representation of the overall risk of disease transmission in the community, said PHSD.
“The risk level is determined using seven separate indicators related to community transmission, the impact on our health care system capacity, and severe health outcomes,” reads their website. “The Index has four risk levels—low, moderate, high, very high—and each level has corresponding recommended public health guidance for COVID-safe practices.”
The continuance of mask mandates is an approach that is in line with other hospitals across the province, including North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and hospitals in the Ottawa and Toronto area. HSN said it will help to reduce any risk of transmission of COVID-19, “while protecting our vulnerable patient population, some of whom aren’t eligible for vaccination and many who are immunocompromised,” as well as health care workers and staff.
Visitor restrictions remain in place and proof of vaccination is required.
Further to this, the HSN website notes that handmade masks are not acceptable.
“When you arrive at the hospital as a patient or care partner a hospital approved mask will be provided to you and you will be expected to wear it during your time at HSN to keep yourself, other patients and care partners and our staff, physicians, learners and volunteers safe,” reads the website. “Patients going for a procedure where they must remove the mask will be asked to keep it ready to be put back on once the procedure is completed.”
You can find more information about COVID-19 protocol by visiting the HSN website here.
