LHSC loosens masking guidelines effective April 24

Starting Monday masking guidelines will be loosened at hospitals as London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph's move toward a future of 'living with COVID-19.'

Starting Monday masking guidelines will be loosened at hospitals as London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph's move towards a future of “living with COVID-19.”

According to a release from LHSC, effective April 24 new masking policies will be in effect throughout London hospitals “that align with guidelines released by Public Health Ontario” and that “better reflect the current health and safety risks” surrounding COVID-19.

“It’s clear the COVID-19 pandemic had entered a new phase, and it’s time for a new approach to masking for patients, staff, physicians and visitors,” said Dr. Michael Payne, medical director, infection prevention and control at LHSC. “The vast majority of Ontarians have either been vaccinated or exposed to the virus in some way which means the risks are lower right now and our masking guidelines can be relaxed.”

LHSC said that they will continue to assess their infection safety precautions on a regular basis. 

"We would like to thank you for your ongoing support as we move from an active pandemic to de-escalation," the release adds.