Starting next week, masks are required when entering a University Health Network (UHN) hospital, as respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Toronto.
As of Oct. 28, the requirement applies to patients, visitors, and staff. The policy is especially mandatory in areas where many patients may be at a higher risk of illness, and hospital signage will be posted to indicate which areas are considered high-risk, according to an online update by the hospital network.
Masks are optional in common areas such as lobbies and food courts.
UHN includes the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and Toronto Western Hospital.
“We closely monitor rates of respiratory illnesses and adjust our policy as needed,” UHN explained.
“Masking serves as an added layer of protection against respiratory infections, complementing other measures such as vaccination, staying home when experiencing symptoms and hand hygiene.”
UHN implemented masking protocol amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but the mandate was lifted in Ontario hospitals in June 2022.
Public Health Ontario reported a rise in COVID-19 cases between Oct. 6 and Oct. 12, where 94 outbreaks were reported as well as four deaths from the virus.
With temperatures beginning to drop, Toronto Public Health (TPH) is encouraging residents to get vaccinated against respiratory infections that include COVID-19, influenza (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available beginning Oct. 28 for all Toronto residents aged six months and older who live, work or go to school in Ontario. Vaccines are available at many locations including participating primary healthcare providers, walk-in clinics and select pharmacies.
A new program for immunization against RSV has been introduced by the Ministry of Health where infants born in 2024-25 and high-risk children up to 24 months can receive a monoclonal antibody treatment for immediate RSV protection as well. Meanwhile, pregnant Ontarians (at 32-36 weeks gestation) delivering near or during the 2024-2025 RSV season can receive a vaccine through their prenatal care provider to protect their newborn.
For more information on vaccine availability in Toronto, click here.
