By Cecilia Nasmith
While requirements may be relaxing outside of high-risk settings, Northumberland Hills Hospital announced Friday that its universal mask policy will not be lifted just yet.
“Hospitals have a unique responsibility to provide a safe care environment and, with COVID-19 still in circulation, we know that masks are one of the most effective steps we can take to protect our patients and each other,” President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Walsh said in the announcement.
This week's numbers from the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit show a slight uptick in Northumberland County – 26 new cases (up from eight last week) and 24 active cases (up from 19 last week).
Visitors will continue to be provided with a medical-grade mask when they pass through screening at entrances. NHH continues to require visitors to ear this mask at all times in public and patient areas of the hospital, except when eating and drinking in the Main Street Bistro.
The mask mandate also applies to those visiting the NHH community mental health program offices.
“We thank everyone for their on-going co-operation, understanding and support,” Walsh stated.
“Updates will be shared if and when our universal mask policy changes in future.”
