Masking returns to Guelph General hospital following COVID outbreak
An outbreak of COVID-19 at Guelph General Hospital has led to renewed masking requirements this week.
It's a precautionary step to prevent further cases, said Karen Suk-Patrick, the vice president of Guelph General Hospital, in a press release.
The new rules around masking follows a rise in COVID cases throughout the community and hospital.
Masks are required in clinical areas of the hospital, such as nursing stations, patient rooms and waiting rooms. Since the requirements are in the first phase, masks are not required in nonclinical areas.
The hospital has masking stations at entrances and nursing stations.
Summer weather meant decreasing COVID numbers, but the cases were never at zero, said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health associate medical officer.
"It's still one of the things out there in the environment," he said.
Wearing a mask is a valid practice anytime of the year, said Tenenbaum. He said it's also recommended to wear a mask when feeling symptoms of the cold and flu.
