Toronto (June 26, 2003) - In keeping with the latest provincial directives, and with the precautionary measures now in place at GTA hospitals, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute moved away from masks for outpatients and visitors, effective June 26. This means that outpatients and visitors who pass SARS screening are no longer required to wear surgical masks. Other precautions remain in effect. As the number of SARS cases continues to decline, and with screening still in place at all our sites, we believe a mask-free environment is an appropriate next step in our phased approach toward reaching the "new normal."
Continuing precautions include:
- Patients may only have one visitor at a time. This is allowing us to strike a reasonable balance of overall precautions.
- Visiting hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. To help ease traffic at our screening desks, we ask that visitors not arrive between 2:30 and 4 pm. Children under the age of 14 are not permitted, except for compassionate reasons.
- Screening continues at our doors; screeners are required to wear N95 masks, gloves and gowns.
- Entry restricted to one entrance at each site.
- Universal infection control measures and frequent hand washing remain in effect.
- New patients accepted subject to SARS screening before arrival, at the door and upon arrival on the unit. Temperatures are taken twice a day for 10 days.
We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation.
