Masking to continue at Arnprior hospital

ARNPRIOR – Arnprior executives say masking will continue at Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) facilities as part of the provincial’s high-risk settings policy.

“In accordance with Ontario’s mandatory mask extension for high-risk settings until at least June 11, ARH continues to require visitors, outpatients, clients, and staff to wear a mask while inside its facilities,” ARH communications manager Melissa McDermott released in a statement yesterday (April 25). 

The provincial mask mandate for high-risk settings (e.g. hospitals and long-term care homes) was due to lift on April 27, , and the extension was announced by the Ontario chief medical officer of health on Friday, April 22.  

“The high level of COVID-19 in our communities poses a challenge to our staffing levels and the extension of the provincial mask mandate is an effective way to help ensure we have enough staff members to provide our care and services without disruptions,” ARH President Leah Levesque said. “It is also fundamental to protecting our patients and residents who are generally more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.” 

In addition to mandatory masking, the following COVID-19 measures continue to apply for all visitors at The Grove and The Hospital: 

• Active screening upon entry 
• Proof of vaccination  
• Rapid antigen testing (Grove only) 

In response to the provincial mask mandate being lifted for community settings on March 21, masks are not required, but are strongly recommended, for clients at The Seniors Active Living Centre and The Men’s Shed. 

For more information about COVID-19 policies and protocols before you visit The Grove or hospital, please go here.