At The Ottawa Hospital, masking continues to be mandatory for all staff, visitors, patients and Essential Care Partners.
Wearing a mask adds an extra layer of protection from the respiratory illnesses circulating in our community, such as COVID-19, flu, RSV and more. While the provincial mask mandate expired on June 11, 2022, The Ottawa Hospital’s masking policy remains in place.
When you arrive at one of our sites, please:
- sanitize your hands
- take a medical mask from one of the dispensers that have been installed at our entrances
- wear the mask so it covers your mouth and nose.
Please see below for more information on how to properly wear your mask.
Remember, wearing a mask does not replace the need to:
- Physical distance by staying two metres (six feet) or more away from others.
- Clean your hands often.
- Stay at home if you are sick or have been instructed to do so by Public Health or your health-care provider.
How to safely wear a mask
- Clean your hands before putting on your mask.
- Always wear a clean mask (or unused mask, if disposable) for each visit.
- The mask must cover both your nose and your mouth and not slide down your face.
- Mold the metal band to the bridge of your nose
- Do not touch the front of the mask while you are wearing it.
- Wear your mask the entire time you are in the hospital.
- If you must remove your mask for any reason, or are removing it when you leave:
- Clean your hands and remove the mask by taking it off by the ear loops.
- Do not touch the front of the mask or your face.
- Discard disposable masks in the garbage or a container designated for this purpose.
- Clean your hands immediately after you remove your mask.
If you are using a cloth mask in the community, here are some helpful cleaning tips:
How to safely clean a cloth mask
- Your cloth mask should be replaced at least daily, or when dirty or moist.
- Clean your cloth mask in hot water with regular laundry detergent.
- Discard your mask if it cannot be cleaned or is damaged.
Visit the Ottawa Public Health website for other helpful mask resources.
Last updated on: March 8th, 2023