Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, VP, Patient Experience, CNE and RVP, Regional Cancer Care
In preparation for the 2025/26 respiratory season, and in anticipation of potential impacts on our Inpatient Clinical Units and Emergency Department from respiratory and influenza type illnesses, masking requirements will increase effective December 4, 2025.
Please note that as of December 4, 2025 all Staff Professional Staff, Learners, Volunteers and Essential Care Partners (ECPs)/Care Partners (CPs) will be required to wear a Level 3 procedure mask when entering a patient room for all Inpatient Clinical Units and when in the Emergency Department.
Please see the following details on masking requirements:
1A Inpatient Units
All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners, Volunteers and ECPs/CPs are required to wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times while on units 1A Medicine, and 1A Acute Oncology. This includes when entering a patient room and when within the 1A clinical area.
All Other Inpatient Units
All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners and Volunteers must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times when entering a patient’s room, when providing direct patient care, including transportation of patients and at any time they are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing.
All ECPs/CPs visiting in an inpatient room must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask when entering a patient’s room and whenever they are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing standards within the unit.
Emergency Department
All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners and Volunteers must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times when entering a patient’s room, when providing direct patient care, including transportation of patients and at any time they are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing.
All Patients and ECPs/CPs accompanying a patient must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times in the department
Public communication and signage will be provided to support the above requirements. Further communication will occur on this topic as required.
If you are a staff member who has been ill, please review the Occupational Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-OH-34) before returning to work. This will help ensure you meet all necessary criteria for a safe and appropriate return.
Thank you for your commitment to keeping our patients, staff and Hospital safe. If you have any questions, please ask your manager or reach out to Infection Prevention and Control at 684-6094 for further details on best practices.