SickKids to remove mask mandate in non-clinical areas starting April 24
Posted April 23, 2023 5:33 pm.
Last Updated April 23, 2023 5:39 pm.
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) will be removing their mask mandate in non-clinical and non-patient facing areas starting April 24.
However all areas where patients are present, including common areas like lobbies and elevators, will still require a mask.
“Following recommendations from the Toronto Region Hospital Operations Table, SickKids will be updating masking requirements in certain areas of the campus,” said Sarah Warr, senior communications advisor for SickKids in an email statement to CityNews.
“These recommendations are based on a moderate level of COVID-19 transmission risk and a non-high risk period for respiratory virus transmission.”
The policy that SickKids previously had set in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic was that everyone aged two and older was required to wear a hospital-provided mask at SickKids, which applied to family caregivers and visitors, as well as vendors, suppliers, and contractors.
“Effective April 24, masking will no longer be required in non-clinical and non-patient facing areas at SickKids such as administrative offices and meeting spaces. Masking is also not required in off-site, non-clinical areas including the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 525 University, 180 Dundas and all other off-site events,” the statement continued.
“Masking remains mandatory in all patient-facing clinical areas and common areas where patients may be present, such as hallways, elevators, stairwells and lobbies. As the pandemic situation and respiratory illness trends continue to evolve, we will make adjustments to safety practices based on the best available evidence and guidance.”
