Changes to mask-wearing guidelines
Ottawa, August 10, 2023 - Montfort is taking another step in the gradual and safe reduction of certain precautionary measures relating to COVID-19.
As of today, wearing a mask is recommended, but no longer mandatory in most areas of Montfort, except for the Emergency, where it is still required. This is a low-risk measure that offers more flexibility and helps us recover as a community.
We will continue to make masks widely available and encourage staff, patients and their relatives to wear them, as this practice is still relevant for preventing infections.
Patients coming to the hospital who feel unwell because of respiratory symptoms are asked to wear a mask at all times.
Visitors are also reminded not to come to hospital if they are feeling unwell or have symptoms; for this change to be safe and remain in place, you should stay at home in such a situation. Of course, if you need care, don't hesitate to go to your nearest hospital.
As always, we will continue to monitor developments and take appropriate action. Wearing a mask may become required again, depending on how the situation develops.
Masks required in certain situations
In all sectors of Montfort and satellite sites, staff will continue to wear a mask in the following situations:
- When requested by a patient, relative or colleague.
- When their risk assessment suggests doing so to protect themselves from splashes, or to protect a vulnerable patient.
- When an additional precautionary sign is displayed at the entrance to a room or care area.
- When a sector is experiencing an outbreak; in such cases, masks are mandatory for all care.
- When a member of staff is self-isolating at work.
About Montfort
Located on unceded Anishinabe Algonquin territories, Hôpital Montfort is Ontario’s Francophone Academic Hospital, offering exemplary person-centred care. The hospital serves over 1.2 million people in Eastern Ontario, in both official languages. In 2022, it earned Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada for the third time, and is the first francophone host as the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s flagship Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO).
With its main partners, the University of Ottawa and La Cité college, as well as other post-secondary programs, Montfort is preparing the next generation of Francophone healthcare professionals. Since 2015, it has joined the ranks of Canada’s top 40 research hospitals through the activities of the Institut du Savoir Montfort, its knowledge institute. Montfort strives to become “your hospital of reference for outstanding services, designed with you and for you.” In 2019, it was named one of the world’s top 1000 hospitals.