Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is updating its masking guidelines in anticipation of the increased spread of influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 over the fall and winter.
Effective Tuesday, October 29, RVH requires masking while in patient rooms and treatment areas when interacting with Team RVH, patients and visitors.
Masks will remain optional, but encouraged, in areas such as hallways, administrative spaces, meeting rooms and public areas like the food court.
Potential visitors who may have symptoms or are ill should stay home until they are well.
“Our top priority is to maintain a safe environment for patients, families and members of Team RVH,” says Leanne Weeks, Vice President Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive. “As we enter a time of year when respiratory illnesses tend to increase, RVH has been diligently evaluating our mask-wearing strategy and framework. Our goal is to protect everyone, while still allowing for flexibility within the health centre. We will keep a close eye on the situation in the upcoming weeks and modify our policy as needed.”
RVH will keep the community informed of any masking changes through updates on the homepage of the health centre’s website – www.rvh.on.ca.