Mandatory masking is returning to the Ottawa Hospital on Monday..A spokesperson from the Ottawa Hospital issued a statement on Wednesday, announcing that the hospital is revising its mask-wearing recommendations in preparation for the upcoming fall respiratory season. .The mandatory masking decision was made as they expect a higher likelihood of the spread of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19..Beginning on Monday, September 11, the requirement for wearing masks will be extended to cover all clinical areas and waiting rooms. .This includes areas like inpatient units, patient rooms, nursing stations, and ambulatory care sections..The hospital said these mask-wearing requirements will remain in effect throughout the entire respiratory virus season..During the summer, the Ottawa Hospital relaxed some of its mask-wearing rules, making masks optional in public spaces, non-clinical areas, and clinical areas where direct patient care, such as nursing stations and unit hallways, was not involved..The updated policy will reintroduce mask requirements in clinical areas without direct patient care..In non-clinical spaces like administrative areas, meeting rooms, and public places such as the cafeteria, masks will continue to be optional but strongly recommended.
