Managers were asked to bring forward frequently asked questions (FAQs) from their staff about physical distancing and mask wearing guidelines, in order to provide clarity and ensure consistency throughout the hospital. Please see below:

1.   Are goggles mandatory on the inpatient units, or only in patient rooms? Everyone entering a patient care area (inpatient or outpatient) must wear goggles at all times. Goggles are also mandatory when providing patient care within 2 meters, in all areas of the hospital.

2.   How do staff get approval to remove their mask when at their workstation? Staff must provide their vaccine confirmation to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and consent to OHS sharing that information with their manager. Once OHS informs the manager, the manager can approve staff to remove their masks within their workspace (in non-patient care/non-public areas only).

3.    If an office is considered clinical (e.g., Genetics program) but patients do not enter the office space, what guidelines should they follow? If there are no patients entering an office space and the space is not open to the public, staff may follow the administrative guidelines for physical distancing and mandatory masking.

4.   Can staff in administrative work areas remove their mask at their workstation when the distance between them and another staff member is either a) greater than 2m OR b) less than 2m with barrier or partition is installed? Yes, if they follow the process to confirm that they are fully vaccinated and they consent to that information being shared with their manager.

5.   Are there any limits to the number of people allowed in outdoor spaces? Thunder Bay District Health Unit has confirmed that there are no limits to shared outdoor spaces. This includes sitting at picnic tables with other staff from separate households.

6.   Is physical distancing still mandatory when in a shared space while not wearing masks? If staff are removing their masks in a shared workspace, they must maintain physical distancing or be separated by a partition.

7.    Are essential in-person meetings allowed at full room capacity? Essential in-person meetings, as well as training, are both allowed to take place at 50% room capacity.