Health Facilities Now Providing New Masks Upon Entrance

Anyone visiting Horizon Health Network facilities will now have to change their maks when entering.

These new rules went into effect today.

When entering the facility, you will be provided with a new face mask during the screening process, and you will be required to wear it at the facility.

It was a recommendation made to the health authorities by the province’s Pandemic Task Force in late February following the arrival of COVID-19 variants in the province.

“We ask that patients and visitors be provided a new mask upon entry to the facility. A cloth facial covering will no longer be permitted in these facilities for patients, visitors and health care workers alike,” said the letter.

That includes all health care facilities, adult residential facilities and nursing homes.

Vitalité Health Network Hospitals implemented a similar protocol in December, in an effort to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.

A news release from Vitalité explained the process, “Upon entry, all patients and visitors will be provided with a medical mask. They will be asked to remove their mask / face covering and put on a MEDICAL mask provided by the Network. Hand hygiene must be performed after taking off their mask / face covering and before putting on the medical mask. Hand hygiene must be performed    again after putting on the medical mask.”