Update: Mask wearing guidelines at the MUHC

September 14th, 2023 News
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Given the recent important rise in the number of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in both the community and within the MUHC, we have reassessed the need for universal masking.  We now require, healthcare workers to wear masks when providing direct care to patients and when interacting with other healthcare workers while present in clinical care areas. In administrative areas, entry halls, corridors, cafeterias, food courts, masks are recommended, but not mandatory.   

Instructions on when to wear a mask 

For healthcare workers: 

  • At all times, while present in clinical care areas such as: inpatient units, outpatient clinics, medical imaging, testing center (excluding: long-term care setting and outpatient psychiatry -Allan Memorial) 
  • Following high-risk exposure to a case of COVID-19 without adequate protection, for 7 days following exposure (N95 needed). 
  • On units with a COVID-19 outbreak (N95), for the duration of the outbreak. 
  • Any healthcare worker with infectious symptoms* should not be working until 24 hours after the resolution of symptoms and should be tested for COVID-19 at the COVID-19 Testing Clinic. 

For patients:

  • In the presence of symptoms of an acute respiratory infection*. 
  • On units with a COVID-19 outbreak when a healthcare worker is within 2 metres. 
  • Masks are strongly recommended for patients at risk for complications from COVID-19 infection (immunocompromised, post-transplant, hemato-oncology and respirology patients).   

For visitors/caregivers/family members:

  • Procedure masks are strongly recommended when visiting hospitalized patients (except for Montreal Children’s Hospital: parents who have already been exposed to their sick child). 
  • Visitors with infectious symptoms should postpone their visit until they are fully recovered, unless essential. If that is the case, the visitor/caregiver/family member should wear a mask at all times.  

*Fever, cough, new or worsened shortness of breath, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, etc. 

Masks are available at the main entrances of all hospitals and in all clinical care areas.