Updated March 2026

We continue to follow the most current recommendations from Public Health Ontario (PHO) and the Ontario Ministry of Health (February 2025) regarding masking in St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph. Current guidelines have emphasized a risk‑based approach to masking rather than universal masking.

SJHCG has a mask-friendly policy, and anyone may choose to wear a mask at anytime based on personal preference and comfort, and only mask provided by SJHCG must be worn. Masks are available at the front entrance and the entrance to all units.

Masking becomes mandatory for everyone when entering a unit in a suspected or confirmed outbreak as per Infection Prevention Control (IPAC) and PHO recommendations. On a routine basis, masking and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are to be worn as per point- of- care risk assessment (PCRA) and as per Precaution signage indicates a need.

If feeling unwell, and have any of these symptoms: new cough, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash please postpone your visit. Staff please report to your manager and refer to our Employee decision tree for guidance – Employee Health Reporting Decision Tree.

We ask that we limit visits to essential visitors only in a suspect/confirmed outbreak area. Visiting will be restricted only to the client’s room. You must visit one client only and will not be permitted to visit other areas of the facility after you have visited the outbreak area. It is recommended that Hand Hygiene must be done when:

  • Entering the facility
  • Entering the unit
  • Entering the client’s room
  • Leaving the client’s room
  • Leaving the unit
  • And leaving the organization

PPE must be worn by anyone (staff and visitors) entering in isolation rooms and removed before leaving the room.

 A few reminders for all:

  • When wearing a mask provided by SJHCG, please ensure that you are always wearing the mask correctly ensuring that it covers both your nose and mouth.
  • Clean your hands as per the four moments of hand hygiene – this is the most effective line of defence against the spread of illness.
  • Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue or into your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately.
  • Keep up to date with your vaccines as per Public Health Guidelines (i.e. Influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine)

Thank You for your cooperation in adhering to the Infection Prevention Control in keeping everyone safe! For any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to visit us at Rm 2-204, call our IPAC line at ext. 4115, or email us at IPAC@sjhcg.ca

Sincerely,

The IPAC Team

Videos:

 https://youtu.be/EC1U9OlbUKo (Putting on Facial Protection)

https://youtu.be/sDUJ4CAYhpA (Hand Hygiene with Alcohol-based Hand Rub)

https://youtu.be/o9hjmqes72I (Hand Hygiene with Hand-washing)

https://youtu.be/s2z1uM1fXN8 Putting on (Donning) Full PPE

https://youtu.be/crGlUX3_4DA Taking off (doffing) Full PPE