As we enter the peak respiratory virus season (including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19), the Toronto Grace Health Centre is reinstating the seasonal masking protocol to protect vulnerable patients, staff, and visitors across our hospital. This follows recommendations from Toronto Public Health and Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Medical Directors as of October 3, 2025.
Masking Requirement
Effective Monday, November 24, 2025:
All staff, physicians, contractors, learners, volunteers, and visitors are required to wear a medical mask in all clinical and shared patient-care areas, including:
- Inpatient units
- Outpatient clinics
- Waiting rooms and treatment rooms
Additional details:
- Masks may be optional in non-clinical public spaces (e.g., lobbies, elevators, cafeteria) unless posted otherwise due to rising activity.
- Approved medical masks will be provided at all entrances.
- Individuals who cannot tolerate a mask due to medical or accessibility exemptions should notify their manager or OHS for accommodation.
- Visitors or outpatients who refuse to wear masks may be asked to leave the hospital unless they have a medical exemption; assessments should occur on a case-by-case basis.
What Remains the Same
- Masking will continue for additional precautions when indicated by IPAC for symptomatic patients (per Toronto Grace IPAC policies).
- Masking will continue according to Point of Care Risk Assessments (PCRAs) (see attached PCRA fact sheet).
- Masking continues to be strongly encouraged in all common areas, including team stations, team rooms, and meeting rooms.
- Toronto Grace remains a mask-friendly environment and fully supports staff, patients, and visitors who choose to mask based on individual risk or comfort.
- Masks will continue to be available throughout the hospital.
Rationale
- Respiratory virus activity increases significantly during the fall and winter; masking reduces transmission and protects high-risk individuals.
- Toronto-area hospitals have adopted a coordinated, evidence-based approach supporting seasonal masking to prevent healthcare-associated respiratory infections.
- Universal masking supports our layered protection strategy, which includes vaccination, hand hygiene, cleaning, ventilation, and staying home when unwell.
Additional Considerations
Please continue other essential infection prevention measures:
- Stay home when sick
- Keep vaccinations up to date, including influenza and COVID
- Practice good hand hygiene when entering the hospital and throughout your visit
Review and Duration
The seasonal universal masking requirement will remain in effect throughout the 2025–26 respiratory virus season.
The directive will be re-evaluated in February 2026, based on regional epidemiology, respiratory virus activity, and system pressures.
Any updates or changes will be communicated promptly.
On behalf of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Thank you for your continued leadership and cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for patients, families, and staff during this heightened respiratory virus season.
If you have not yet received your influenza vaccine, please contact Occupational Health to arrange an appointment.