April 17, 2023

On April 19, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) will no longer require patients and their families, and visitors to wear masks within hospital sites. However, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask while in waiting rooms, and in emergency departments and urgent care centres. Patients with a fever or respiratory symptoms will be required to wear a mask. Healthcare workers will continue to require a mask during patient care interactions.

Rationale

• Public Health Ontario masking requirements for hospitals were recently updated and at this time Ontario is considered to be in a “non-high risk period.”
• On advice from regional and hospital COVID-19 infection prevention and control experts.
• Alignment with other hospitals.

Masks will continue to be available at all hospital facilities for those who would like to wear one, and individuals will be supported in their decision to do so.

This is an interim change as hospitals transition out of a universal masking environment and as pandemic measures continue to wind down. Further details on continued next steps will be shared once available.

Like all COVID-19 policies and practices, the need for universal masking will be subject to ongoing evaluation in relation to the spread of COVID-19 and will be revisited if needed. All decisions will continue to be based on provincial guidance/direction and informed by subject matter experts. Details/rationale will be communicated widely.

Update as of April 26: Universal masking is being maintained at HHS’ Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre for all staff in the hematology program to protect our immunocompromised patient population, and in particular cellular therapy and transplant patients.  

Additional Information

Why isn’t St. Joe’s eliminating universal masking entirely?

Masking during patient facing activity is the first step in our journey towards removing universal masking.

As we recently entered a non-high risk period, we are slowly removing masking requirements, first in areas where there is no direct patient care. As we come out of the respiratory virus season, we will move to remove universal masking entirely. Masking, particularly at the level of our clinical units, remains an effective intervention to limit spread of respiratory viruses, which continues to be important until the end of respiratory virus season (mid-May).

We are deliberately taking a gradual approach to support patient, visitor and healthcare worker safety, including psychological safety. The phased removal of mandatory masking will feel different for everyone. The next few weeks of transition will provide time for people to adapt and become comfortable with these new measures. It will also allow our teams time to work out masking requirements for the most vulnerable populations.

Like all COVID-19 policies and practices, the need for universal masking will be subject to ongoing evaluation in relation to the spread of COVID-19 and will be revisited if needed. All decisions will continue to be based on provincial guidance/direction and informed by subject matter experts. Details/rationale will be communicated widely.

Why is St. Joe’s phasing out universal masking if St. Joe’s continues to treat patients sick with COVID-19?

COVID is entering an endemic state, meaning the virus will continue to circulate at some degree for the long-term future. However, as more immunity is gained in the population through vaccinations and infections, as well as new treatments to protect the vulnerable, the health system strain that we saw in 2020 to 2021 becomes better by the day.

We feel comfortable that we can manage COVID-19 cases the same way we manage other respiratory viruses.

Can I still wear a mask throughout the hospital if I prefer?

Masks will continue to be available at all hospital facilities for those who would like to wear one, and individuals will be supported in their decision to do so.

Can patients ask visitors to wear a mask?

Yes. Visitors are asked to respect patient wishes and put on a mask if they are in that patient’s space.

When will all the masking requirements (including during direct patient care) be removed?

Flu and respiratory virus season will end in mid-May, at which time masks will only be required to be worn by healthcare workers based on their individual assessment based on each unique patient situation/circumstance (called a “point of care risk assessment”).

Why do we need masking during direct patient contact now, but in a few weeks we likely won’t?

The risk of respiratory virus transmission will further diminish as we progress into the month of May.

We are deliberately taking a gradual approach to support healthcare workers and patient safety, including psychological safety. The phased removal of mandatory masking will feel different for everyone. The next few weeks of transition will provide time for people to adapt and become comfortable with these new measures. It will also allow our teams time to work out masking requirements for the most vulnerable populations.

Where can I find a mask?

Masks will continue to be available at hospital entrances and on units/clinics. Ask a healthcare worker or member of your care team if you’d like a mask.

Can visitors eat or drink inside patient rooms?

Yes, however not in isolation rooms.