Mask Mandate to Remain in Place at HPHA; Family Caregiver Presence Guidelines Updated
June 09, 2022
With final government mask mandates set to expire in Ontario, ongoing responsibility for policy and practice shifts to the hospitals to determine whether masking will continue past June 11, 2022.
In alignment with recommendations from Public Health Ontario, and hospitals across the South West, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) will maintain its universal masking policy which applies to all family/caregivers, outpatients, inpatients (where tolerated), and team members.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been assessing what we feel are appropriate protections for our team and our patients as well as those visiting our hospital sites,” says Andrew Williams, President and CEO. “We have consistently put safety first and will be continuing with universal masking indefinitely. It is the right thing to do, and I know people will support the HPHA in placing their health and the health of our patients, caregivers, family members and team members at the core of all we do."
In addition to continuing to require masking, active screening of all individuals entering its facilities will be maintained. HPHA’s COVID-19 Immunization Policy requiring all new midwives, physicians, staff, volunteers and contractors to be vaccinated will also remain in place.
With these protections in place, on June 13, 2022, HPHA will be removing the requirement for family and caregivers entering its facilities to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, Family and Caregiver Presence Guidelines will be expanded to allow for two family members or essential caregivers per day, and one family member or essential caregiver for individuals attending outpatient appointments. Outdoor visits will also be able to be arranged for those patients that can be safely transported by a family member/essential caregiver.
Huron and Perth residents are reminded that getting vaccinated and boosted remains the best protection against serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.