Updated October 28, 2024
Policies about wearing masks change in response to respiratory virus season or other outbreak conditions.
UHN has returned to our regular
visiting guidelines.
Extra precautions and limits will still be in place for patients in isolation or staying on a unit with an outbreak. Please speak with your care team about special visitor restrictions for your unit.
- Self-screen for symptoms of illness before coming to UHN.
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If you are a patient, let your care team know if you have new or worsening symptoms of an illness ahead of time by phone if possible, or when you arrive.
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If you are a visitor, stay home if you are feeling unwell or have a known infection.
- Wear your mask if you are feeling unwell and in all areas where it is required.
Mask policy at UHN
As of October 28, 2024, you are required to wear a mask when receiving or waiting for care. Masks are optional in common areas such as lobbies and food courts.
This requirement applies to patients, visitors, and staff. Patients includes all inpatients and outpatients, as well as research study participants, including volunteers. You must also still wear a mask in areas where many patients may be at a higher risk of illness.
Signs are posted throughout the hospital, letting you know which areas are high-risk.
Look for signs as you enter a care area to see if masks are required. If you are unsure, ask UHN staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
We closely monitor rates of respiratory illnesses and adjust our policy as needed.
With moderate COVID-19 levels and other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV expected to rise in November, we are now enhancing masking in our hospitals.
The change on October 28, 2024 is in alignment with other Toronto hospitals, although the effective date may be different. Masking serves as an added layer of protection against respiratory infections, complementing other measures such as vaccination, staying home when experiencing symptoms and hand hygiene.
Changes in UHN's masking policies are made in response to respiratory virus activity. We anticipate being able to remove the requirement when those levels are down to a more manageable level, likely in late February or March.
We will always use data to inform our decisions.
UHN-approved medical masks will be available at all entrances, outpatient clinics and inpatient units.
If you arrive at UHN wearing an N95 or KN95 mask, you can continue to wear it. If you are wearing a cloth face covering or a disposable mask, please remove it and put on a new medical mask.
If you are a patient who has a legitimate medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask in an area where they are still required, contact your UHN doctor or nurse practitioner's office before your first appointment.
If your exemption is approved, you will receive a Face Mask Exemption Form. Bring your approved exemption form with you to the hospital, as you will be asked to show it by hospital staff. You will be given a face shield to wear instead.
If you have questions or health concerns about wearing a mask, please let your health care team know before arriving for your appointment.
Mask exemptions are
not available for visitors or Essential Care Partners.
Your health care team,
clinic staff or
unit manager is your first point of contact for questions about masking.
If you still have questions, you may contact
Patient Relations.
