The mask mandate will remain in place at Southlake Regional Health Centre and other hospitals in York Region despite being lifted by the province as of June 11.
Ontario mask mandates expire at 12 a.m. Saturday for most settings, including hospitals and public transit. However, the Newmarket hospital has announced that masks will still be required.
"We are always looking to ensure a safe environment for everyone at Southlake. As a high-risk setting with vulnerable patients in our care, Southlake will continue with our universal masking policy," it said in a tweet.
The policy states that all visitors and patients older than five must wear a mask at all times, covering their nose and mouth. You will be given a medical mask by screeners when you arrive at the hospital.
Other hospitals in the region, Markham Stouffville, Mackenzie Health and Cortelluci Vaughan, will also keep mandatory masking in place. Other hospitals around Ontario have done the same.
"While masking requirements are expiring, organizations may implement their own policies. Ontarians should continue to wear a mask if they feel it is right for them, are at high risk for severe illness, recovering from COVID-19, have symptoms of the virus or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19," said Ontario chief medical officer Dr. Kieran Moore in a statement.
The provincial government is maintaining the mask mandate for long-term care homes. Masking is also recommended for congregate living spaces like shelters that are considered higher risk.
