As we enter respiratory illness season, Humber River Health is implementing its seasonal masking approach to help protect patients, families, visitors, staff, physicians, and volunteers. 

Effective November 16, 2026, masking will be required for staff, physicians, and volunteers when providing direct patient care in clinical areas. Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in our hospitals.

Our Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team supports this approach as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe environment and reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses during the fall and winter months. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Staff, physicians and volunteers must wear a hospital-approved mask when providing direct patient care. 

• Masks will be available at all hospital entrances. 

• Patients and visitors, are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in clinical and patient care areas. 

• Masks are strongly encouraged in high-risk patient care areas, including the Apotex Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Birthing Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Oncology, Dialysis, and Transplant clinics. 

• Additional masking requirements may be implemented in specific units or departments during outbreaks or periods of increased respiratory illness activity. 

• Please continue to practice good hand hygiene and stay home if you are feeling unwell. 

Exceptions

• Patients admitted to inpatient units are not required to wear a mask unless indicated by their care team or isolation precautions. 

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone who receives care, works, learns, and visits at Humber River Health.