Clarification of Eye Protection and Masking Guidelines

Dr. Peter Voros, Executive VP, Patient Care Programs, Regional VP, Cancer Services, North West Regional Cancer Program and Amanda Björn, Executive Vice President: People, Culture, & Strategy

Personal Protective Equipment compliance remains a key component in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) staff, patients and visitors safe.

Masks are still required at all times and in all TBRHSC locations, unless;

  • The worker is alone in a private office.
  • The worker is in a designated break area.
  • The worker is in a meeting area/room in a non-clinical area where distancing of two metres can be maintained.

Eye protection remains mandatory for all staff, when working in clinical areas. This includes the donning of eye protection when entering any clinical space, which includes inpatient units and outpatient areas. Eye protection is not mandatory in non-clinical areas unless providing direct patient care or within two metres of a patient. Non-clinical areas (i.e. hallways, administrative areas) do not require eye protection unless patient interaction is anticipated.

It is vital that all workers adhere to the Hospital’s eye protection and masking guidelines in order to enhance safety and protect themselves, their colleagues, our patients and the community. The Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines indicate that contact with a positive COVID-19 person is considered high risk if eye protection was not worn.

Visitors and patients are also encouraged to wear their own eye protection.

For further information on eye protection guidelines, visit https://comms.tbrhsc.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Memo-Clarification-of-Eye-Protection-Guidelines-October-25-2021-1.pdf

All Hospital COVID-19 updates and resources are available on the iNtranet at https://comms.tbrhsc.net/covid-19-information/.