Updated COVID-19 guidelines

Protecting the safety of everyone at Headwaters is top priority.  
 
As we continue to deliver quality care and services, our objective is to reduce risk to our patients, families, staff, physicians, volunteers, students, and the community. 
 

Effective November 6, 2024 

To help keep everyone safe at Headwaters Health Care Centre during a complex respiratory season of RSV, COVID-19, flu and seasonal viruses, masking is required in patient-facing areas.  

Headwaters remains a mask-friendly environment where masks are encouraged but optional throughout the rest of the hospital.   

What’s changed  

• Masking is mandatory in all patient-facing clinical areas and waiting rooms, such as the Emergency Department, nursing stations, waiting rooms and patient rooms.  

• Visitors must wear a mask when visiting patients and in patient care areas.    

• Patients and visitors with respiratory illness symptoms must wear a mask while moving throughout the hospital and outside their patient room.    

What remains the same  

• Mask-friendly environment: Masking is not mandatory but encouraged in non-clinical and non-patient facing areas, such as hallways, the cafeteria, and the Joan and Paul Waetcher Welcome Centre.    

• There are no changes to Headwaters’ current visitor policy. Visitors who may have symptoms or are ill should stay home until they are well. This will help prevent the spread of illness.   

• Masks will continue to be available at all hospital entrances and outside inpatient units. Staff, caregivers and visitors will continue to have access to personal protective equipment, when required.   

• Patients coming to the hospital for surgery will continue to follow their physician’s direction with regards to pre-operative COVID-19 testing, based on symptoms.