Kitchener-Waterloo

Masking returns to Guelph General Hospital following COVID-19 outbreak

With rising COVID-19 cases in the Guelph community and an outbreak at the hospital, masking requirements have returned to Guelph General Hospital.

Hospital brings back masking with the guidance of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

Guelph General Hospital sign.
Masking is required again in clinical areas of Guelph General Hospital as of this week. (Paula Duhatschek/CBC)

An outbreak of COVID-19 at Guelph General Hospital has led to renewed masking requirements this week.

It's a precautionary step to prevent further cases, Karen Suk-Patrick, the hospital's vice-president, said in a news release. 

The new masking rules follow a rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the community and hospital.

Masks are required in clinical areas of the hospital, such as nursing stations, patient rooms and waiting rooms. Since the requirements are in the first phase, masks are not required in non-clinical areas.

The hospital has masking stations at entrances and nursing stations.

Summer weather meant decreasing COVID-19 numbers, but the cases were never at zero, said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health associate medical officer.

"It's still one of the things out there in the environment."

Wearing a mask is a valid practice any time of the year, said Tenenbaum. He said it's also recommended to wear one when feeling cold and flu symptoms.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Kuivenhoven is an intern at CBC K-W. She loves hearing from the community and is open to stories at lauren.kuivenhoven@cbc.ca.