It is no longer necessary to wear at long-term care facilities under Riverside Health Care’s control.

Riverside says it is revising its masking requirements in response to the latest directive from the Ministry of Health.

Volunteers, caregivers and staff are no longer required to wear one when no outbreak is declared.

Riverside still encourages visitors to do so when in common areas.

There may also be circumstances when staff will need to keep a mask on.

Staff will undergo a point-of-care risk assessment before interacting with a resident.

They are being advised to wear masks when with a resident for an extended period and within two meters of each other for fifteen minutes or longer.

Masks will be required when an outbreak is declared.

Other sites under Riverside Health Care, including La Verendrye General Hospital, remain mask friendly.