In view of the holiday season and the respiratory virus season that began a few weeks ago, CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest is announcing the reintroduction of mask wearing until further notice. The decision was made by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Department and the Prevention, Promotion and Workplace Wellness Department. 

Users with symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection, visitors, caregivers and volunteers visiting one of the following areas are required to wear a procedure mask: 

- emergency rooms (Anna-Laberge Hospital, Suroît Hospital and Barrie Memorial Hospital);

- outpatient clinics (endoscopy, radiology, etc.);

- day care and recovery rooms;

- hemodialysis centers;

- COVID-19 screening clinics;

- care areas, common areas and day centers of public CHSLDs, maisons des aînés et alternatives (MDA MA), maisons régionales pour jeunes adultes polyhandicapés (MRJAP) and résidences à assistance continue (RAC);  

- short-stay units, including intensive functional rehabilitation units (URFI), transitional functional recovery units (UTRF) and evaluation-intervention-orientation programs (PEIO), except in the family bubble room (mother-child center/birth pavilion). 

Volunteers must also wear masks in workshops, day activity centers (CAJ), DITSA-DP (intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and physical disability), disability rehabilitation centers (CRD) and birthing centers.

Masks will be available at each of these locations.

Although recommended, masks are currently not mandatory for users in :  

- care units in retirement homes;

- private CHSLDs;

- intermediate resources with 10 or more users.

Here are a few basic practices to limit the spread of infections:

- Wear a mask if you have symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion or a sore throat; 

- wash hands frequently with soap and water or antiseptic gel; 

- follow respiratory etiquette, i.e. cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing; 

- Stay home if you have a fever.

For health-related concerns, call Info-Santé at 811.