Mask mandate to remain in place at OSMH beyond June 11th

(Orillia, ON) – While masking requirements in other high-risk areas like public transit will expire tomorrow, hospitals in Ontario Health’s Central region, which includes OSMH, have confirmed their commitment to keep patients, staff, visitors, volunteers and vendors safe through a continuation of the masking requirement within these facilities.

Health experts have agreed that continued use of masking in hospital settings remains a simple and necessary safeguard. Masking helps prevent the most vulnerable patients from contracting COVID-19.  It can also prevent transmission of COVID-19 to health-care providers, keeping people healthy and at work. Hospitals across the province are challenged with Health Human Resources and all efforts must be made to prevent further transmission of COVID-19 within hospitals.

While each hospital will be responsible for its own entry and welcome procedures, when arriving at Central Region hospitals, patients and families will continue to be required to wear a mask. Masks will be provided to those who arrive without one.

This direction aligns with a statement provided June 8, 2022 by the Ontario Hospital Association that recommended that the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Order regarding mandatory masking for patients, caregivers, visitors and other members of the public in hospital settings, issued under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, be maintained.

Hospitals in Central Region thank the public for its continued support of our frontline health-care workers and volunteers, as our system continues to recover from the pandemic.  Together, we can continue to keep our hospitals safe, so they can be there for those in need.