Mask mandate returns to North Bay hospital patient care areas

Sudbury-area care homes face Covid-19, flu outbreaks, hospitalizations and strain on the emergency room. Health officials urge vaccines, masks and isolation.

The North Bay Regional Health Centre is reinstating a mask requirement in all patient care areas starting Monday, citing a rise in hospitalizations and community spread of respiratory viruses.

Mask requirement returns

In a social media post on Friday, the hospital announced the policy shift.

“Effective Monday December 15, 2025, the NBRHC will require masks in all patient care designated areas,” wrote the hospital.

The rule applies to patients, visitors, staff, physicians, and contractors.

“The decision to move to masking again in all patient-designated areas was determined by our current level of hospitalizations from respiratory viruses and community transmission,” said the health centre.

The mandate covers inpatient units, outpatient clinics, waiting areas, and the emergency department. Masking will remain optional in public spaces like hallways, cafeterias and the Tim Hortons location within the hospital.

Respiratory illnesses straining hospitals

The move follows a news release issued by the hospital on Wednesday, which warned that respiratory illness season has arrived.

“Hospitals across Ontario are seeing an increase in emergency department visits for flu-like and respiratory illnesses, which can contribute to longer wait times,” said the hospital.

The North Bay Regional Health Centre urged the public to consider care options for non-urgent symptoms, advising that most healthy people recover from viral illnesses at home within a week and emphasizing that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses like influenza.

“If you or your loved one develops severe symptoms requiring medical attention, such as persistent or increasing difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration with dry mouth or no urination or a prolonged or very high fever (more than five days), do not delay seeking emergency care,” said the hospital.

Public health measures encouraged

With the holidays approaching, the hospital is reinforcing broader protective measures.

“Getting your flu shot is the best way to remain protected against the most severe outcomes of infection, including hospitalization caused by the flu,” said the health centre.

Other recommended precautions include staying home when sick, frequent handwashing, and covering coughs and sneezes. The hospital also made a direct appeal for kindness toward its staff, who are managing increased demand.

“Visitors who feel unwell are asked to postpone visiting until they feel better,” said the hospital in its post Friday.

The North Bay Regional Health Centre’s return to mandatory masking in core areas marks a proactive step to protect vulnerable patients and manage strain on the healthcare system during the annual surge of respiratory viruses.

RELATED STORIES:

• COVID-19, flu outbreaks reported in northern Ontario long-term care homes
• Here’s how flu season is impacting kids across Canada
• Ont. health unit says flu shot is best mode of protection, as flu season hits earlier than expected
• Town hall decries cuts to ‘swamped’ North Bay hospital