DRHC UPDATES MASKING POLICY

May 26, 2023

DRYDEN, ONTARIO - After consultation with infection control experts and while carefully considering infection risk DRHC has made the following changes:

Effective May 25, face masks are no longer required in all areas of the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

Patients accessing most services at the Dryden Regional Health Centre and Dryden Area Family Health Team will not be required to wear a face mask unless directed by a staff member or physician, except:

• In the Emergency Department, where all patients are expected to don a hospital provided face mask, AND;
• In all waiting rooms/ areas, as patients may be in close contact with one another.

Patients and Visitors are still required to screen using the self-service kiosks located at all entrances before proceeding into the building.

• Patients who fail screening must wear a face mask in all departments and areas of the facility.
• Visitors will not be permitted to enter the facility if they fail the entrance screening.

Staff and physicians are not required to wear face masks when providing patient care, although they may choose to. They will conduct point of care risks assessments and use their professional judgement to determine what level of Personal Protective Equipment, including masks is required on a case by case basis.

DRHC respects that staff and community members may have different comfort levels with the changes to our masking policy. Masks will continue to be available at all entrances for anyone who feels more comfortable wearing one inside the Health Centre. Patients may request that their care provider wear a face mask at any time.

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