Hospitals in Waterloo region consider dropping certain masking requirements starting Monday

For the first time in more than three years, masks will no longer be required in some Ontario hospitals.

For the first time in more than three years, masks will no longer be required in some Ontario hospitals.

The easing of restrictions means patients, visitors and staff will no longer have to wear a face covering in non-clinical areas such as main lobbies, waiting areas, cafeterias and elevators.

It’s a move that signals a trend as several other provinces have already dropped mask mandates. Ontario joins British Columbia and Saskatchewan, which have already eased masking rules.

Grand River Hospital in Kitchener said after reviewing the latest public health guidelines, they have plans in place to shift their masking guidelines.

"With the new framework coming in, we wanted to make sure we were responsive to it and also focused on patient safety,” said Paul McIntyre Royston, CEO of Grand River Hospital Foundation. “You know, since the beginning of COVID that's been a massive priority."

However, GRH is not completely doing away with their mask mandate for staff.

"The guidelines are this: for any direct patient contact it's masking," said Royston.