London Health Science Centre (LHSC) and St Joseph’s Hospital announce new masking guidelines that will begin this Thursday, Oct 31st.
Patients and visitors who are feeling unwell will be required to wear a mask when entering hospitals in London.
“We know that it significantly reduces transmission. When dealing with a hospital or long-term care setting like we are, we have a lot of vulnerable patients and residents,” says Dr. Adam Dukelow, Vice President of Medical and Academic Affairs at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Dr. Adam Dukelow, Vice President of Medical and Academic Affairs at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Credit: St. Joseph’s Hospital)
“We want to do our best so we can try to protect them from getting a virus in the first place and therefore not suffering all of the negative effects.”
Dr. Dukelow goes on to say, “It’s important because we know that respiratory illnesses such as influenza and COVID and respiratory syncytial virus are on the rise right now and we know that masking helps prevent transmission of those viruses.”
Masks will also be mandatory for staff and Doctors when providing direct patient care.
Dr. Dukelow says that it is also important to wash your hands frequently, stay home when you have a fever or other illness, and to get your flu shot.
Free masks will be available at designated entrances.
