In response to a rise in respiratory illnesses and community transmission, the North Bay Regional Health Centre has reinstated its mask mandate for all patient care areas starting today<\/p>\n
Starting today the North Bay hospital is requiring the wearing of masks\u00a0in all patient care designated areas.<\/p>\n
“This applies to all patients, care partners, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, and contractors,” says a Facebook post.<\/a><\/p>\n “The decision to move to masking again in all patient designated areas was determined by our current level of hospitalizations from respiratory viruses and community transmission,” it states.<\/p>\n Masks will be available at the main entrances and entrances to units\/clinics.<\/p>\n Masks are required in all areas designated for patient care. This includes all in-patient units where patient care takes place, all out-patient clinics and waiting areas (medical imaging, lab, clinics) and the Emergency Department.<\/p>\n Masks are optional in public and staff areas like hallways, the cafeteria, Tim Hortons and Town Square.<\/p>\n Visitors who feel unwell are asked to postpone visiting until they feel better.<\/p>\n Hospitals across Ontario are seeing an increase in emergency department visits for flu-like and respiratory illnesses, which can contribute to longer wait times.<\/p>\n “If you think you or your loved one has a respiratory illness, it\u2019s important to monitor your symptoms. Antibiotics have no effect against a viral illness like the flu. Most healthy people recover from the flu on their own within 7 to 10 days with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication to reduce fever or aches.<\/p>\n “If you don\u2019t start to feel better after a few days, your symptoms get worse or you are in a high-risk group, visit Health811 online<\/a> or call 811 to speak with a health care professional 24 hours a day, seven\u00a0days a week.”<\/p>\n