RVH implements mask requirement amid rise in respiratory viruses

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ont. (CTV News)

Starting Monday, officials at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) say masks are required to be worn in patient rooms and treatment areas when interacting with hospital staff, patients, and visitors.

Officials say masks will still be optional—but encouraged—in other parts of the hospital such as hallways, the food court, and other public spaces.

Visitors are also asked to stay home if they feel unwell or have symptoms of a cold, flu, or COVID-19, to help keep everyone safe.

Staff say these new measures aim to protect patients, staff, and visitors during the ongoing health concerns.

Patients with cold or flu symptoms are asked to avoid the emergency room and instead seek treatment with a walk-in clinic, family practitioner, or by booking online with RVH’s ED minor ailment patient pathway.

According to RVH’s website, the current wait time in the emergency department as of 10:52 a.m. Monday is over three hours, with nearly 40 patients waiting to be seen.