THUNDER BAY – Masks may not be mandatory yet in the city, but they will be starting Wednesday for everyone entering Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
The hospital on Tuesday said they planned to enact the policy to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and it would apply to all patients and care partners inside the facility.
The hospital said masks, which include all face coverings, is a collaborative effort at health-care facilities across Northwestern Ontario to successful manage infection control, noting the virus can be spread by asymptomatic people.
A refusal to comply will result in most patients being asked to leave hospital grounds.
“Wearing a mask can help to prevent this asymptomatic spread to others, especially in areas where physical distancing is not possible. Individuals who refuse to wear a mask inside the hospital and do not require urgent care may be denied entrance,” the Health Sciences Centre stated in a release issued on Tuesday morning.
“A mask must cover the nose and mouth and is intended to protect others from the spread of airborne droplets. Wearing a face covering or mask is in addition to maintaining physical distancing and practicing proper hand hygiene. People who are unable to wear a mask due to a health condition should advise the entrance screening staff, who will provide options.”
Anyone entering the hospital is encouraged to wear their own mask brought from home.
In-patients who require tests outside their designated care area and don’t have their own mask will be provided with a procedure mask, which can be changed out should it become soiled during the patient’s stay.
“Outpatients and care partners who do not bring a mask will be required to obtain a disposable procedure mask from the screening stations located at the Hospital’s West entrance or Emergency Department entrance for a suggested $2 donation to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Only one mask will be available for personal use during the current visit due to limited inventory.”
Reusable cloth masks will be available for sale at the hospital’s gift shop, when it reopens on July 27.
Precaution and prevention are the best way forward at this time, hospital officials said.
“As patient care service volumes increase during our Hospital’s recovery phase, more patients and Care Partners will be entering the Hospital. This, combined with people traveling to Northwestern Ontario from outside of our region and a re-opening economy, increases the possibility of community spread. Mandatory masks at our hospital are for the protection of all.”
