Windsor Regional Hospital to require staff to mask ahead of expected uptick in respiratory illness

Windsor Regional Hospital will now requirestaffto wear a maskwhen within two metres of any patient.

The policy takes effect onNov.1, the hospital announced in a statement on Thursday.

The hospital called the move a "result of a predicted increase in COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses."

The hospital will make it a requirement for staff to mask, while recommendingit for visitors when within two metres of patients.

WRHsays wearing a mask isstrongly advisedit for those in waiting rooms or in lounges in high-risk areas such as the emergency department and Cancer Centre.

However, masking will not be requiredin non-clinical areas, such as main lobbies, waiting areas, cafeteriasand elevators.