Sudbury's Health Sciences North (HSN) has put out a reminder given the higher incidence of respiratory viruses in the community. The hospital said all visitors are being told that masking is required.
"We would really want to remind everyone that masks are required on all in-patient units and in patient rooms as a way to help reduce spread of viruses and keep everyone safe," said HSN communications manager Jason Turnbull on Tuesday.
The reminder comes in light of COVID-19 and RSV virus outbreaks at the hospital.
He said all visitors to the hospital must read and adhere to the signage at hospital entrances.
"Wash your hands, self-screen for symptoms and take a mask as you travel through our facilities," said Turnbull.
"Masks are mandatory for all in-patient units, in-patient rooms, and for high-risk areas, including the Emergency Department and the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre," he added.
The hospital's COVID-19 information page updated on January 9 revealed there are two virus outbreaks at HSN:
-Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) outbreak on 7 North, RLHC (declared January 3).
-COVID-19 outbreak on 6 South, RLHC (declared January 5). HSN also reported 38 active COVID cases in the hospital with two of those cases in the Intensive Care Unit.
Further to the masking rules, the hospital said eating or drinking is only permitted in designated areas of the hospital, such as the cafeteria. Also, HSN health-care workers will continue to wear masks for all patient interactions, said the hospital.
Visitors requiring additional information are advised to check in with the hospital website for full details.
