Masking protocols continue to evolve locally as Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) announced today they will retain their masking policy for the time being, while the town of Bracebridge announced they will be dropping the masking requisite on public transportation.
The Town said that following the guidance provided by the Government of Ontario and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, they continue to resume transit services using a gradual and phased approach. On June 8, 2022, the provincial Chief Medical Officer announced that the Class Order on Masking will expire on June 11, 2022. Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility will no longer require patrons to wear masks or face coverings as of 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022.
MAHC announced that while masking requirements in other high-risk areas like public transit will expire on Saturday, June 11, hospitals in Ontario Health’s Central region, including MAHC, have confirmed their commitment to keep patients, staff, visitors, volunteers and vendors safe through a continuation of the masking requirement within these facilities.
According to MAHC, Health experts have agreed that continued use of masking in hospital settings remains a simple and necessary safeguard. Masking helps prevent the most vulnerable patients from contracting COVID-19. It can also prevent transmission of COVID-19 to health-care providers, keeping people healthy and at work. Hospitals across the province are challenged with health human resources and all efforts must be made to prevent further transmission of COVID-19 within hospitals.
While each hospital will be responsible for its own entry and welcome procedures, when arriving at Central Region hospitals, patients and families will continue to be required to wear a mask. Masks will be provided to those who arrive without one.
MAHC says this direction aligns with a statement provided on June 8, 2022 by the Ontario Hospital Association that recommended that the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Order be maintained regarding mandatory masking for patients, caregivers, visitors and other members of the public in hospital settings, which was issued under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
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