Statement from Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Michael Garron Hospital

Please see the statement below from Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Michael Garron Hospital:

 “Protecting the health and safety of our patients is our top priority at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that most of the province’s masking mandates will lift as of Saturday, June 11, 2022. Hospitals have the ability to implement and retain their own masking policies and therefore MGH will continue with our universal masking policy which requires all staff, patients and visitors to wear a hospital-approved mask while on-site.

This decision is in alignment with the COVID-19 Toronto Region-Hospital Operations Table and allows us to protect everyone inside our facility. Many of our patients have risk factors, such as immunosuppression, that make them more vulnerable to poor outcomes should they acquire COVID-19; they come to the hospital because they need help and we have a responsibility to do our best to keep them safe. Masking continues to be an important part of a comprehensive infection prevention and control strategy to maintain a safe environment by limiting the risk of COVID-19 transmission and outbreaks. We strongly encourage all Ontarians to consider using a mask outside of the hospital if they feel it is right for them – particularly when in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, if they or someone they live with is at higher-risk for severe illness, or if they are experiencing any symptoms.”