We know that vaccinations are key in helping stop the spread of COVID-19. For that reason, as of October 22, 2021, UHN is requiring that everyone coming to our sites is fully vaccinated. This includes staff, contractors, researchers and visitors.
We will be asking for a
vaccine receipt along with proof-of-identity as part of our entrance screening. To be considered fully vaccinated, it must be at least 14 days since you received your final dose of a
Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
If you wish to visit a patient or accompany someone to an appointment, please read our
full ECP guidelines and vaccination requirements before coming to the hospital.
This policy does not apply to patients.
Everyone entering UHN is being screened for symptoms of COVID-19, recent travel outside of Canada, and close contact with people who have COVID-19.
Patients who have symptoms will still be permitted to access the hospital. Essential Care Partners who have symptoms will not be allowed to enter. Essential Care Partners who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 must still pass our entrance screening.
Please answer the entrance screening questions honestly. If you do not "pass" the screening, it does not mean you won't be allowed to enter. Screening staff will talk to you about taking extra precautions to keep you, other patients, and our staff safe.
Everyone must also clean their hands using the hand sanitizer provider, and put on a mask. Read our masking policy.
If you are a cancer patient with COVID-19 symptoms, exposure or confirmed diagnosis,
click here for an important message about entrance screening and your appointment »
Are you receiving cancer treatment or have you had a multi-organ transplant? If you are, in the past
20 days, have you had any of the following symptoms?
For all other people, in the past
10 days, have you had any of the following symptoms?
Symptoms
- Fever, chills or unexplained headache
- New or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Runny nose, or stuffy nose without another cause (e.g., allergies)
- Any trouble walking or moving around, or unexplained falls
- Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Decrease/loss of taste or smell
- Unexplained fatigue, malaise, muscle aches
- Eye pain or pink eye
- Any increase in confusion or delirium
You will also be asked the following questions:
- Have you tested positive for COVID-19?
- Has a doctor, health care provider, quarantine officer or public health unit indicated that you should currently be isolating (staying at home)?
In the past 14 days,
- Have you travelled outside of Canada?
- Were you in close contact with someone who travelled outside of Canada?
- Were you in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or who had a new respiratory illness?
- Have you received an exposure notice from your COVID-19 alert app?
- Have you been discharged from any hospital other than Toronto General, Toronto Western, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or Toronto Rehab?
- Do you live with someone has been asked to stay home because they were exposed to COVID-19?
If your symptoms change, or if you have any additional questions, please call your clinic directly. If you experience severe symptoms, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
Online Screening Tool for Patients
Use the new online self-screening tool:
uhnpatientscreen.ca
- When you arrive at the hospital, go to
uhnpatientscreen.ca on your mobile device.
- Answer the questions about COVID-19 symptoms, close contact, and recent travel.
- Show your final screen to our entrance screening staff. This screen will have a date, time and either say PASS, or will ask you to speak further with staff.
Note: this tool is for
patients with appointments only. Visitors must be screened by entrance screening staff. If you do not receive a PASS screen, you will still be allowed to enter, but you may be asked take extra precautions to get to your appointment safely.
- When you care provider calls you to confirm your appointment, they will provide you with an arrival time.
- Please do not try to enter the hospital more than 15 minutes before this arrival time, unless you are required to complete blood work in advance of your appointment.
- Please be aware that screening at the doors will take extra time.
- If you arrive early, please wait outside in an area where you can physically distance from others, such as in your vehicle or in an open public space. Please do not stand close to our entrance doors, as this may impact staff and patients who need to enter safely.
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Everyone entering UHN must wear a medical mask. If you arrive wearing a cloth or disposable mask from home, screening staff will give you a fresh medical mask to wear instead. If you arrive wearing an N95 respirator or KN95-style mask, screening staff will also offer you a medical mask. We highly recommend that you use our medical masks, as they have undergone quality assessments to ensure they are appropriate for hospital use. Please be aware that there are many counterfeit KN95 and N95 products on the market. We are unable to check the quality of your mask from home when you arrive at UHN. Patients must wear a mask at all times while inside the hospital, including inpatients when leaving their room.
- This policy also applies to pre-approved visitors, vendors, suppliers and contractors. This helps reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- Masks are provided at each entrance.
- Please make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth at all times. Only remove it if you must eat or drink, or at the request of your care team.
- Mask exemption cards are not accepted at UHN. Medical exemptions will only be considered for patients, and must be pre-approved with the clinic.
