Update: Mask wearing guidelines at the MUHC

September 26th, 2024

As the school year starts, we are noting an increase in incidence of many respiratory illnesses such as pertussis and COVID-19. The influenza and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season is also quickly approaching. We strongly encourage and recommend the use of universal masks in all adult clinical areas in order to reduce transmission of these respiratory illnesses. 

This recommendation applies to all healthcare workers, patients and visitors.  

A mask remains required in the following situations:

Healthcare workers:

  • In presence of all patients/family members who present or develop symptoms of a respiratory infection*.
  • Following high-risk exposure to a case of COVID-19 without adequate protection for 10 days following an exposure (in this case a N95 respirator is necessary).
  • On units with a respiratory virus outbreak.  (N95 respirator is recommended for COVID-19 outbreak; a procedure mask is recommended for other respiratory virus outbreak. 
  • Any healthcare worker with infectious symptoms should not be present at work until the resolution of symptoms.  The healthcare worker needs to call 44-FLU and be tested for COVID-19 and optional for other respiratory viruses at the testing center.

For patients:

  • In the presence of symptoms of a respiratory infection*.
  • On units with a COVID-19 or other respiratory virus outbreak when a healthcare worker is present.
  • Masks for severely immunocompromised, even in the absence of symptoms.

Visitors, caregivers, family members:

  • Visitors, caregivers, or family members should be screened for symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.  If symptoms are present, they should postpone their visit until they are fully recovered, unless essential.  If essential, the symptomatic visitor, caregiver or family member must always wear a procedure mask.

It remains essential to complete the Infectious Risk Evaluation on all patients requiring admission, ambulatory clinic visits, or for any interventional procedures.

*Fever, cough, new or worsened shortness of breath, congestion and/or runny nose, sore throat, etc.