JBH Completes its Transition to a “Mask-Friendly” Facility

Joseph Brant Hospital is completing its transition to being a “mask-friendly” facility, following last month’s initial phasing out the universal mandatory masking requirement put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective today, June 12, 2023, all JBH healthcare workers will be guided by a Point-of-Care Risk Assessment tool to determine the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for safe care for each patient, including masking.

Patients and visitors coming to the hospital must continue to self-screen for symptoms upon entry. Patients and visitors without symptoms can choose to wear a mask in the hospital. Patients who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are required to wear a mask at all times. Visitors who are experiencing symptoms should not come to the hospital.

Masks will continue to be available to all at hospital entrances and in patient care areas. JBH respects that masking is a personal choice and supports individual choices on wearing a mask.

This change has been made following recommendations from the regional subject matter expert table, in alignment with hospitals in the region and considering Public Health Ontario’s guidance- which indicates Ontario is in a sustained low-risk period. There are a number of tools to protect our healthcare workers and the community including vaccination, self-screening, staying home when sick and using PPE in patient care as required.  

JBH will continue to monitor any changes in public health guidance and COVID-19 cases in our hospital and community. Masking requirements may change if needed to protect the health and safety of everyone who comes to and works in the hospital.